Democrat Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox has declared victory in the 22nd District State Senate race at 11 p.m. on election night.

She vied for the seat against Republican Chris Carrena and Independent Robert Edward Halstead.

The seat was vacated by state Sen. Marilyn Moore, which includes all of Trumbull and parts of Bridgeport and Monroe.

"I'm proud to be the first Indian American and the first South Asian female ever elected to the Connecticut State Senate. But it's not about me. It's about the young women of color I met at the doors who said, 'If you can do it, I can do it," said Gadkar-Wilcox.

The constitutional scholar, who had previously run unsuccessfully for state representative in the 123rd House district, praised her Republican opponent in this race, Chris Carrena.

"He's a gentleman deeply committed to the principles that guide him -- and he has a bright political future," she said.

"It's been a fun race, it's been a clean race. I learned a lot and I met a lot of amazing people," Carrena told News 12 Tuesday morning.

State Sen. Herron Gaston also declared victory Tuesday night, over City Councilman Ernie Newton.

"I want to thank the people of the 23rd Senatorial district for voting me back in office to go back to Hartford and continue to fight," Gaston said.

MORE: Live Blog: News 12 Connecticut Election Day 2024