New London — State Rep. Ernest Hewett narrowly secured an endorsement for the 39th District House seat from members of the Democratic Town Committee on Thursday, likely setting up a primary with fellow Democrat Chris Soto.

Hewett, 59, earned the endorsement by a vote count of 22 to Soto’s 18 during a meeting at the senior center.

The 40 eligible voters represented the city’s first and second voting districts — the area covered by the 39th District.

Hewett’s supporters lauded his commitment and experience.

“Ernie works very hard in Hartford trying to sustain and unchain grants and funding for the city. He has experience and political allies that join him when he calls to help on bills that will benefit the city, New London County and the state as a whole,” said Shirley Gillis, who nominated Hewett from the floor.

Hewett’s nomination was seconded by City Council President Erica Richardson and Board of Education President Margaret Mary “Peg” Curtin.

Hewett, who is seeking his seventh term in office and has not had a primary since he ran for a vacant seat, called for a clean primary race moving forward.

“This is not a bloodbath between me and Chris Soto. I like Chris Soto. Always have. Always will,” Hewett said. “I will not get dirty in this campaign. It’s not personal."

"He feels he wants to run for this seat, and he has every right to do that," he continued. "I feel I want to keep this seat and I have every right to do that. At the end of the day we don’t need a fractured Democratic Party.”

Hewett, continuing the theme of experience over youth, said he has been able to bring $35 million in state funding to the city through the years.

He announced for the first time publicly that, through his efforts, the city will receive $5.2 million in unpaid reimbursements for past school building projects.

“I want to report to you tonight that check is in the mail to the city of New London,” Hewett said.

It is unclear how the additional money might impact a City Council vote on a budget Wednesday.

Soto, 35, the founder of the New London nonprofit Higher Edge, accepted hugs from supporters after the meeting and said he would continue to knock on doors and build on the momentum he said has been growing since he first announced his run for Hewett’s seat.

“I think the fact we were able to make it this close shows there is support, even within the party, for the future,” Soto said.

Aracelis Vazquez Haye, who nominated Soto, said the city was in a transitional state and Soto represents the future of leadership in the city.

“New London is moving forward,” Vazquez Haye said. “We’re also in need to be open to new leadership.”

She called Soto a leader, an advocate and activist, “which is what we need in Hartford.”

“He will advocate for us and he will serve as that voice for us. He’s an innovator, someone who has come in and shaped our city through work with young adults,” Vazquez Haye said.

Soto’s nomination was seconded by city Councilors Anthony Nolan and Efrain Dominguez.

Dominguez called Soto a man of character and integrity, the qualities of a great leader and public servant.

Soto now must gather 297 signatures, or 5 percent, of the 5,922 enrolled voters in the first and second districts to force a primary.

g.smith@theday.com