BRUNSWICK

Ralph Tucker officially secured the Democratic nomination for the House District 50 seat in the Maine Legislature after a recount was conducted Wednesday. A hand count of ballots in Augusta revealed that Tucker won with 442, compared to his opponent, Jackie Sartoris, who garnered 432, a mere 10-vote difference.

Official Town Clerk results posted after the primary had Tucker leading with nine votes. One overseas absentee ballot has since been counted in Tucker’s favor, according to Sartoris.

In a statement, Tucker wrote that he was “humbled by the trust and heavy responsibility now placed on my shoulders.” Tucker thanked his supporters and complimented Sartoris and her supporters “for their energy and pluck.”

Reflecting upon the primary and its aftermath, Sartoris said, “I don’t think I could have asked for a more interesting experience. Everybody has been tremendously gracious. It’s not by any means been a negative experience.” The District 50 primary, separated by 10 votes, was the closest race in the state. It was that closeness, and the urging of supporters, that prompted her to ask for the recount, said Sartoris.

“It was never about getting a different result, or to eke out a win,” Sartoris said.

The Secretary of State’s office also encouraged a recount due to the closeness of the primary’s outcome.

Tucker will go on to face Republican Mark Holbrook, who was unopposed in his primary, in the general election in November.

Tucker said there will be now a “joint effort” with other Brunswick Democratic nominees, incumbents Rep. Matthea Daughtry and Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, in keeping the Legislature in Democratic hands while working to unseat Gov. Paul LePage by electing Democrat Mike Michaud.

“If lucky enough to win the November general election, the practical goals I will pursue in the Legislature include support for pub- lic schools and our deserving teachers; safeguards against environmental degradation; job training for high skill, high pay jobs; and better medical care coverage,” Tucker stated.

For her part, Sartoris said she would focus on her law firm and family, and would continue to be active in the Maine Citizens for Clean Elections group. She said she would also work to get Democrats to the polls in the November election.

The recount took place at the Department of Public Safety Headquarters in Augusta.

In a news release, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap praised both candidates and thanked Brunswick Town Clerk Fran Smith and her staff for what he called “an expertly run election.”

“Both candidates were gratified by the process and the expertise of state elections officials, and given the clear due diligence shown by Brunswick town election officials, the recount was very smooth with no surprises,” said Dunlap.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com