State Sen. Art Linares, R-Westbrook, issued statements on Wednesday to thank those who supported him in his campaign for state treasurer, while also congratulating GOP nominee Thad Gray and expressing his support for Republicans in the upcoming election.

Linares had conceded the Republican primary for state treasurer to Gray about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Linares' news release. Gray won 56.03 percent of the votes in the Republican primary, and Linares won 43.97 percent, according to the secretary of the state's website.

“While it’s natural to feel disappointed with the outcome last night, I’m ready to join my fellow Republicans in rallying behind our nominees,” Linares said.

“I congratulate Thad Gray on his victory and wish him well in the contest ahead. Up and down the ballot, we need to elect Republicans this Fall to bring real reform and fundamental change to Hartford. Struggling Connecticut taxpayers simply cannot afford four, or eight, more years of the Malloy-Nappier agenda that tipped our state into fiscal crisis and pushed hardworking families to the brink,” he said, referring to current Gov. Dannel Malloy and state Treasurer Denise Nappier, both Democrats.

Linares was elected state senator for the 33rd District, comprising Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook, in 2012. He said in his statement Wednesday that he had announced that initial campaign "with a determination to bring greater prosperity and opportunity to my community and state."

“I am still filled with that same drive and look forward to continuing to fight for a stronger Connecticut in whatever capacity I can best make a difference moving forward,” he said. “I want to thank the dozens of volunteers and thousands of voters who worked so hard to support my campaign. I also particularly want to thank the hardworking voters of the 33rd Senate District, who it has been the honor of my lifetime to represent in Hartford for three terms."