BATH — The successful incumbent in state Senate District 19 on Wednesday said work to improve the Maine economy must begin right away.

“Starting today its incumbent that, regardless of party, legislators work on improving the economy, focusing on helping create jobs and working to improve the economic security of Mainers,” Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, said.

Goodall won re-election by a wide margin, 10, 225 to 5,580, over Republican Jeff Pierce of Dresden. District 19 includes Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Georgetown, Perkins Township, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath and Woolwich.

Goodall cited the work of his campaign volunteers and his focus on improving the economy as the reasons for his victory.

“I think most importantly I want to tip my hat to Jeff,” he said. “He ran a great race. We both focused on the issues and I believe that’s what the voters want and should receive.”

Pierce agreed, saying even though he was disappointed at the loss, he felt good about the campaign.

“I was a little shocked with some of the numbers, but I look at it this way, I did the best job I could and they just turned more voters out,” he said.

He added that he hopes Goodall will deliver on his promise of working across the aisle to reform workers compensation regulations and to bring affordable energy to Maine.

“I hope that he does what’s right for Maine and that’s all we can ask for,” he said. “He got 60 percent of the votes, now let’s hope he does what he said he’s going to do.”

Pierce said that he would like to run again, but has no concrete plans for the immediate future, aside from hunting this weekend.

“You can’t grind spilled milk so I’m going to go to work and then enjoy my weekend, do a little deer hunting,” he said. “No need being bummed out.”

Amber Cronin can be reached at acronin@theforecaster.net or 781-3661 ext. 125. Follow her on Twitter @croninamber.