Southeastern Connecticut saw some notable races in the state legislature, with one state senate seat changing hands, and another staying with the incumbent, despite the fact he's currently hospitalized.
In undoubtedly the most unusual senate race in the state, Democrat Andrew Maynard retained his seat, despite not having been seen in public since July, when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall. His family and Senate Democrats will now have to make a decision early next year about whether he’s fit to serve, or whether the district must mount a special election to replace him.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring 20th senate district, the retirement of Democrat Andrea Stillman opened up an opportunity for Republicans. GOP candidate Paul Formica, the first selectman of East Lyme and a former congressional challenger, took the seat from Democrat Betsy Ritter, a former state representative. It’s the first time in almost 25 years that the district, which includes New London, has been represented by a Republican.
