For the first time in years, a Republican will fill the state Senate seat in the 22nd district, after a special election was held Tuesday.

State Senator-elect Rob Russo won the seat vacated by Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. After receiving 3,600 votes, Russo will represent voters from Bridgeport, Monroe and Trumbull. He defeated Democrat Tom Mulligan. Russo?s win means Democrats lose their veto-proof majority in the state Senate.

Because Russo is taking over Finch?s seat, he will be up for re-election in November. Russo says he will use the time before the election to introduce himself to voters as a state senator.

Russo says he wants to change spending in Hartford and get the cost of living under control for Connecticut residents. He says he wants his new constituents to know that working together, it is possible to change the state government so it can work better for them.