Hartford – State Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard, announced today that his campaign for the state Senate’s 19th District seat has been approved for public financing through the Citizens’ Election Program.

To qualify, a state Senate candidate must raise a minimum of $15,000 in small contributions between $5 and $100. At least 300 contributors must reside in the district.

Reynolds, the endorsed Democrat in the race, is the first candidate in the 19th District to qualify. The seat is currently held by Democrat Edith Prague of Columbia, who is retiring.

Reynolds is now set to receive a grant of just under $36,000 for his Aug. 14 Democratic Primary match-up against Sprague First Selectman Cathy Osten. If he wins, he would receive another grant for the November election.

The endorsed Republican for the state Senate seat is Rep. Chris Coutu of Norwich.

“I am sincerely humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received since beginning this campaign,” Reynolds said in a statement. “The speed with which we were able to raise the necessary funds from individuals throughout the 19th Senate District was extraordinary.”