Familiar names in local political arenas are making their way up to the state level as the November election nears.

37th House District (incumbent: Rep. Ed Jutila, D-East Lyme)

East Lyme Selectwoman Holly Cheeseman was nominated Wednesday by members of the Republican party to run for a district that encompasses East Lyme and Salem.

There were no other candidates put forward during the nominating convention.

Cheeseman, who was elected as a selectwoman in November, will run against four-term incumbent Ed Jutila. This is the second time the two will face off for the seat; Jutila defeated Cheeseman in November 2010.

Up until the convention Wednesday evening, Cheeseman said she hadn't voiced her intention to run because she hadn't made up her mind.

"I enjoyed my run last time," Cheeseman said. "I've come to realize over the past two years that the state is still in a lot of trouble. ... There are still some issues that need addressing, and I think we need some change in Hartford, and I hope to be part of that change."

42nd House District (currently held by Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard)

Ledyard Republican Francis Lowell was nominated Wednesday to run for the 42nd House District. There were no other candidates.

Lowell said he chose to run for the seat because "the people should have a choice.

"I did not want a seat to go uncontested in an election, and if they couldn't find anybody I'd be willing to run," Lowell said. "I will be fully prepared to run, and it will be a very simple message: I'm going to listen to what the people want, and I'll go to Hartford and vote for the will of the people in this district."

Lowell will likely run against Preston Selectman Timothy Bowles, who will seek the Democratic party's nomination for the 42nd District at the party's convention next Tuesday. Bowles seeks to fill the seat left vacant by four-term incumbent Tom Reynolds, who has announced he will run for state Senate.

In November, Bowles narrowly lost to incumbent Republican Robert Congdon for the Preston first selectman seat. Bowles remains on the Board of Selectman and said recently that he would at least complete his second term as a selectman if elected as a state legislator.

The 42nd District includes Ledyard, Preston and part of Montville

40th House District (incumbent: Rep. Ted Moukawsher, D-Groton) and 41st House District (currently held by Rep. Elissa Wright, D-Noank)

The Groton Town Republican Committee held nominating conventions for two House districts Wednesday evening at the Groton City Municipal Building.

Andrew Lavery and Town Councilor Harry Watson were each the sole nominees for the 40th and 41st districts, respectively.

Watson, who lives in the City of Groton, is seeking the seat currently held by Wright. The 41st District will comprise Groton's first and second voting districts, which are both in the City, as well as the seventh and eighth voting districts and all areas south of Interstate 95. It also includes a small section of the southern end of New London.

Lavery will challenge Edward "Ted" Moukawsher. Both men live in the City of Groton. The state's 40th District includes Groton's third voting district, the rest of the town north of I-95 and a small part of Gales Ferry in Ledyard.

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