Alexander Soundly Defeats Tallarita For 58th House District Nomination

The battle to see who will be the Democratic candidate for the 58th House District has been a contentious one throughout the spring and summer.

Challenger David Alexander narrowly edged seven-term incumbent Kathy Tallarita by a single vote at the . However, days later, the Democratic State Central Committee , giving Tallarita the nomination and forcing Alexander to to challenge in a primary.

Primary day was Tuesday, and while predictions were the race would be extremely close, the end result was quite the opposite.

Alexander unofficially garnered 734 votes, or 64 percent, to easily outdistance Tallarita. The incumbent received 415 votes, or 36 percent.

"I'm extremely disappointed," Tallarita told Enfield Patch shortly after the results were disclosed. "I'm proud of my 14 years of service to the town of Enfield. I still have until January as state representative in the 58th District, and there is still work to be done between now and then."

Tallarita said she congratulated Alexander via telephone.

"David ran a good campaign, so I called and congratulated him on his good work," she said.

Alexander, 30, will now face Republican in the November election to fill Tallarita's seat.