New London — Chris Soto’s return to Hartford was a foregone conclusion, since he did not have a challenger in the 39th House District representing New London.

He is returning for a second term as state representative.

The 37-year-old Coast Guard Academy graduate said the lack of a rival did not stop him from hitting the campaign trail to drum up voter turnout.  Overall, Soto said he simply wants New Londoners to be engaged.

“It goes back to creating a culture where voting is important," Soto said. "New London has a historically low turnout, so we have a way to go."

Unofficial results show 4,393 people cast a vote for Soto. About 44 percent of registered voters came out Tuesday.

Once the legislative session starts, Soto one of the things he will push for is municipal equity — policy changes that would allow more depressed municipalities to get a financial leg up.

Soto is the founder and former executive director of Higher Edge, a New London-based nonprofit that aids low-income and first-generation college-bound students. He resigned as director of the organization to focus on his legislative duties and initiatives.

“I feel like I had a solid session, and I’m going to bring that momentum into the next session," he said. "The last election was about getting our voice back and now we have to be louder.”

g.smith@theday.com