Winner Declared In 139th House District Special Election: Reports

NORWICH, CT — Democrat Larry Pemberton Jr. has defeated Republican Brandon Sabbag in the special election for State House District 139.

The New York Times reported that Pemberton secured 1,827 votes compared to Sabbag's 806.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation congratulated Pemberton, Treasurer of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, on the victory, noting "his historic election as the first Native American ever elected to the Connecticut General Assembly."

"His election is not only a milestone for the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation and Native peoples across Connecticut, but also a victory for all who believe in representation that bridges communities and builds understanding," the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation wrote on Facebook.

The district represents Montville, Ledyard, and Norwich.

The race was to fill the vacancy left following the death of Rep. Kevin Ryan (D) in November.

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"This is a historic result, one we worked very hard for, and I’m proud of this," Pemberton posted on Facebook. "But ultimately, this isn’t about me. It’s about the hardworking families of this district, the working- and middle-class folks who are running out ways to tighten their belts. Those people deserve someone who’s going to work for them, deliver lower costs, and fight back against the appalling travesty that our federal government has become. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work."