OLD SAYBROOK/OLD LYME/LYME—Democrat Jane Wisialowski issued a statement tonight conceding victory in the 23rd District to five-term incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney (R). The 23rd District includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

Her statement read, in full, as follows:

Jane Wisialowski, first time Democratic state representative candidate, narrowly lost to incumbent Republican, Devin Carney. 

“Obviously we are disappointed with the outcome but, with your help, we ran a race we can be  proud of. We came closer than any other candidate has to defeat a five-time incumbent. We knew it would be an uphill battle, but I believe we sent an important message to my  opponent – the people of the district are watching how you vote and you need to better  represent our values,” Jane said tonight addressing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.  

After decades working in her corporate career, Jane became an advocate for people struggling with healthcare and financial hardships. She’s lived, worked, and raised her family in Old  Saybrook for 25 years. She has also spent countless hours volunteering in the schools and  serving her community in elected positions at the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation  Commission and Board of Education. 

In May, her campaign for State Representative qualified for public financing within a week and secured the endorsement of more than a dozen labor and issue oriented organizations. Jane  and her team knocked more than 5,600 doors throughout the district and rallied countless  volunteers. 

“Old Saybrook had an outstanding Democratic candidate in Jane,” said Old Saybrook Selectman Matt Pugliese. “Those who voted for her saw how well she represented their values and  appreciated that she was focused on giving those values a platform in Hartford. We hope that  Representative Carney will recognize Jane’s strong show of support and the importance of  these issues for the residents in the district he represents.”  

Kim Thompson, Chair of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee remarked, “Jane worked  really hard. She relentlessly knocked doors on both sides of the river and truly got to know the  people and the issues of Old Lyme and Lyme. We were exceptionally proud to support her.”