Democrat Phil Spagnuolo has defeated his Republican challenger in a special election to fill a Laconia seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
Spagnuolo, who is a substance misuse recovery coach, beat Les Cartier with 53 percent of the vote. He won five of the Laconia's six voting wards.
He fills a seat left vacant following the death of Republican Donald Flanders last September.
Democrats have won eight of 10 special elections this session in the House. Republicans still enjoy a 43-seat advantage in the chamber.
