BRUNSWICK — A spirited three-way race in House District 66 ended with a win Tuesday for the Democratic candidate.

Matthea Daughtry won the election with 45 percent of the vote, defeating Green Independent candidate Fred Horch and Republican Grant Connors.

According to unofficial results, Daughtry received 2,108 votes, Horch 1,504 and Connors 1,009.

Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx, D-Brunswick, decided to not seek re-election.

“I’m honored and thrilled most people in District 66 put their faith in me,” Daughtry said Wednesday morning. “I think one of the things I’m touched by is that I will be able to represent my hometown.”

She said her record of being honest, open, accountable and willing to work with others across party lines helped voters make up their minds.

“I know when I stand at the end of the day, I need to represent my constituents,” Daughtry said.

Although she currently works for a consulting firm that specializes in communications and strategy for nonprofits, and for a photography studio, Daughtry has also been a communications associate for Maine’s Majority, a progressive nonprofit group.

Daughtry said she spent most of her time at the state capitol during the 125th Legislature and read every bill.

“I’m going to be reading all of the bills and see what’s behind them,” she said.

This was the second runner-up finish in the district for Horch, who lost to Cornell du Houx in 2010. He said in September that he was hoping his affiliation would put him at an advantage, because he woudn’t have to follow traditional party hierarchy.

“I deeply appreciate the support I received from so many in our community,” Horch said in a statement Wednesday morning. “Now it’s time to put aside partisan divides and help our newly elected officials make progress toward our shared goal of a sustainable future that promotes well being and opportunity for everyone in Maine.”

Connors, a retired science teacher, said in September that staying active in the community is part of why he sought public office for the first time.

With one grandson having already moved out of state, Connors said he wanted to work to improve Maine’s economy and keep more young people here.

“I want them to have a choice to work here if they so choose,” Connors said.

Daughtry said she will work to improve the local economy by bringing more jobs to places like Brunswick Landing, creating a stable regulatory environment and improving funding for public education.

“(Education) is an issue that’s really near and dear to a lot of peoples’ hearts,” she said.

Dylan Martin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 100 or dmartin@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DylanLJMartin.

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