Incumbent State Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, defeated Democratic challenger Ashley Gillece of Pawcatuck in the 43rd House District race, winning a second term in the district that includes parts of Stonington and Ledyard and all of North Stonington.

Howard defeated Gillece 5,566-3,994, according to preliminary results, that did not include absentee ballots.

“I think I’ve done a a good job and people responded to that,” Howard said Tuesday night. “I think I bring a common sense, logical voice to Hartford and that’s what people told me today they are looking for. And they know I’m a person they can trust.”

Gillece could not be immediately be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Howard, 42, is a Stonington police detective and president of Stonington Youth Football and Cheer. He ran on the priorities of lowering taxes, starting a pilot program that creates a pipeline for high school students interested in the trades, and making further changes to the 2020 police accountability law.

Gillece, 36, is a single mom and restaurant worker who has volunteered with the Stonington Charter Revision Commission, Democratic Town Committee, and Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services.

She ran on a platform focused on affordability for working- and middle-class families, protecting reproductive rights, lowering health care costs, and helping veterans and seniors.

e.moser@theday.com