Norwich – State Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard easily won the nomination as the Democratic candidate for the 19th state Senate District tonight, but Sprague First Selectwoman Cathy Osten quickly said she would seek a primary in August.

The emotional 19th District convention featured two standing ovations for 18-year Democratic incumbent state Sen. Edith Prague of Columbia, who announced her retirement recently and triggered a flurry of interest in her seat.

Reynolds, a four-term state representative, received 35 delegate votes to Osten’s 13 votes.

Reynolds thanked his supporters and called himself a “loyal Democrat” since he first registered to vote as a teenager. He said the party stands for fighting for issues that affect working families. As an eight-year member of the legislature's Education Committee, Reynolds called the education achievement gap “today’s Civil Rights movement.”

Osten received enough votes to seek a primary without needing to petition.

“In the great tradition of Edith Prague I will be primarying,” Osten said after the convention, referring to Prague’s primary in 1994 that first gained her the Senate seat. “I consider myself the best candidate and expect to win.”