New London — Democrat Chris Soto has secured enough signatures to force a primary against incumbent state Rep. Ernest Hewett in the 39th Assembly District.

Democratic Registrar of Voters Bill Giesing on June 9 verified that Soto had filed the necessary petition papers.

Soto needed 297 signatures to get on the ballot for the Aug. 9 Democratic primary for Districts 1 and 2.

He submitted 793 signatures, 464 of which were verified as valid.

Soto is a 35-year-old U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and founder of the New London nonprofit Higher Edge.

Hewett, 59, is seeking his seventh term in office and secured an endorsement from the Democratic Town Committee last month by a four-vote margin.

The Aug. 9 primary is open to voters in Districts 1 and 2. Polling places include New London High School and Harbor School. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

— Greg Smith