Four-term incumbent State Rep. Kathleen McCarty, R-Waterford, narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Nick Gauthier Tuesday in the race for the 38th District seat by a vote of 5,628-5,396.

McCarty last defeated Baird Welch-Collins in the 2020 election when she captured 52.2% of the vote.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be re-elected as the state representative from the 38th district. I thank all my constituents for their vote of confidence and trust in me and I’m looking forward to continuing my work in the legislature to protect education, help our families that are struggling and to work to lower taxes mandates on our businesses and families,” McCarty said.

The 38th House District includes Waterford and parts of the Uncasville and Oakdale sections of Montville after redistricting.

“I definitely respect the work that she has done. I hope she continues to represent our district well,” Gauthier said. “I hope we can work together in the areas that we agree on that our constituents wants us to work together on like women’s rights, working rights, environmental justice and making sure that people can afford to live in our town.”

McCarty, 72, has spent her tenure in office primarily concerned with health care and education issues. She is the ranking House member of the legislature's Education Committee and serves on the Public Health and Appropriations committees. Her caucuses include Women’s, Individuals with Disability, and Tourism Arts & Culture.

In her professional life, McCarty has been a Connecticut high school French teacher, co-pilot, family business co-owner, sports coach and assistant to the Fordham University Medieval Studies program director.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with the final vote totals.

k.arnold@theday.com