Ledyard — Republican Mike France coasted to an easy victory Tuesday evening, returning to his seat in the unopposed race for the 42nd House District seat.

Residents in Preston and Ledyard gave the 54-year-old candidate 5,797 votes. Numbers from the Uncasville section of Montville were not immediately available. Absentee ballots have not yet been counted.

France said his priorities would be ensuring that the legislature approves and funds the Ledyard school building project and soliciting feedback from each local board of education about what state unfunded mandates they would like to eliminate.

"I appreciate the support, I looked at the returns and the numbers are solid," he said.

He captured his first term in the House in 2014 and during his first two years, he served on the Appropriations, Government Administration, Elections and Planning and Development committees.

Previously, France served on the Ledyard Town Council as chairman of the Finance Committee.

France grew up in California, and enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school. He trained as an engineer and currently serves as the engineering manager at Progeny Systems in Groton. He moved to the area in 2002 and lives in Gales Ferry.

n.lynch@theday.com