New London — Freshman state lawmaker Chris Soto, D- New London, announced this week he would seek a second term representing the 39th District.

Soto filed the appropriate paperwork with the state on Tuesday and followed up by spreading word on social media. A challenger has yet to emerge in the race.

“There is still a lot that I want to accomplish. I had no doubt that I would run for (re-election),” Soto said. “My main goal is to really make New London relevant again. The way that you help your district is being in positions of leadership. I plan to work hard this session to get to a leadership role and have a bigger voice for New London.”

Soto is the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee and a member of both the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and Housing Committee.

A New London resident, Soto graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and went on to serve five years of active duty. He later earned a graduate degree in public affairs from Brown University. In New London, he founded the nonprofit Higher Edge, an organization that works with low-income and first generation college-bound students.

As fiscal discussions continue during this legislative session, Soto said his first priority will be to ensure cities like New London are not taking the brunt of the cuts on the horizon.