New Britain Democrats sweep state House, Senate races.

Incumbent Reps. Lopes, Sanchez, Tercyak, Sen. Gerratana Hold On To Districts

NEWBRITAIN — The city’s Democratic legislative delegation won re-election by wide margins Tuesday, and what was expected to be the one tight race ending up being a blowout.

In the 24th District, Rep. Rick Lopes held off a tough challenge from fellow Democrat Sharon Beloin-Saavedra, who ran on the Republican line.

Leaders from both parties had anticipated a close finish, but unofficial figures Tuesday night showed Lopes winning in New Britain 3,348 to 2,007. Newington numbers weren’t in yet, but Beloin-Saavedra conceded around 9 p.m.

Lopes’ victory completed a sweep for Democrats, as his fellow incumbents Sen. Theresa Gerratana, Rep. Bobby Sanchez and Rep. Peter Tercyak also won reelection.

Beloin-Saavedra was a crossover candidate, a long-time Democrat running on the Republican ticket.

She called herself “the purple candidate” and promised a bipartisan approach to issues and government, but that theme and her strong alliance with Republican Mayor Erin Stewart weren’t enough to overcome the city’s heavily Democratic voter base.

“I’m a little stunned,” Lopes said. “I saw she worked hard and I ramped it up — I knocked on 3,000 doors. This shows the people were energized.”

Lopes has served the 24th District since 2012. His district is more conservative than Sanchez’s or Tercyak’s, and the GOP has