The race in the 23rd state House District, pitting a Republican incumbent who describes himself as moderate against a Democratic challenger fearful of GOP extremism, appears to have gone to the Republican.

It was around 10 p.m. when state Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Lyme, said the numbers, though incomplete, were insurmountable for Democratic opponent Jane Wisialowski of Old Saybrook.

“I won,” he said.

He said he estimated he was up by about 398 votes. Voting totals were not available in time for publication.

Wisialowski called him at 10:10 p.m. to concede the race.

In a statement, she expressed disappointment in the result and pride in the race.

“We came closer than any other candidate has to defeat a five-time incumbent,” she said. “We knew it would be an uphill battle, but I believe we sent an important message to my opponent — the people of the district are watching how you vote and you need to better represent our values.”

Carney told supporters gathered with area Republican candidates at Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme that the race was a lot closer than it’s been in the past.

“We’ll do a deep dive into that, and try to see what we can do better in two years,” he said.

The 23rd District consists of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and part of Westbrook.

Carney was first elected in 2014. He grew up in Old Saybrook and now lives in Old Lyme. He has bachelor's degrees in political science and American studies from Brandeis University. He serves on the legislature's Transportation, Education and Finance committees.

Wisialowski is a Democrat from Tennessee who has lived in Old Saybrook for 25 years. She serves as vice chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee, is on the Board of Education, and previously held a seat on the the Parks and Recreation Commission.