Democrat Cheryl Golek will become the new state representative for Harpswell and east Brunswick after taking 57.44% of the vote in Maine House District 99.

Golek, of Harpswell Neck, defeated Republican Stephen “Bubba” Davis, of Cundy’s Harbor, 3,015 to 2,234, according to unofficial results.

Rep. Joyce “Jay” McCreight, D-Harpswell, has represented the town for eight years, but could not run for reelection because of term limits.

In a statement to the Anchor, Golek thanked her family, volunteers and voters.

“I am deeply moved by the expression of support and confidence from all of you,” she said. “Thank you all for trusting me with this great responsibility.”

She expressed gratitude to McCreight, who endorsed Golek in a letter to the editor. “Thank you for being such a fantastic role model and for your support,” Golek said.

She also thanked Davis. “We both ran campaigns with respect and civility,” Golek said. “I hope that throughout these months of campaigning, we have helped set an example for others that running for an office position can be done respectfully.” She hopes she and Davis can “work together on things our great community needs and deserves.”

A state representative should be “an advocate for the people they are elected to represent,” Golek said. “I promise to work hard for all of you in Augusta and ensure that you always have a voice at the table.”

Originally from Brunswick, Golek grew up in poverty before becoming a small-business owner and activist. She and her partner, Johanna Wigg, own The Vicarage by the Sea, a home for dementia care.

In the race for the Maine Senate seat that represents Harpswell, incumbent Sen. Matthea “Mattie” Daughtry, D-Brunswick, collected 69.67% of the vote to defeat challenger Brogan Teel, R-Brunswick. The unofficial tally was 16,309 to 7,101.

Maine Senate District 23 also includes Brunswick, Chebeague Island, Freeport, Pownal, and part of Yarmouth.

“Serving in the Maine Legislature has been the honor of a lifetime and I am immensely grateful for the chance to continue working for our communities,” Daughtry said in a statement. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done together these past two years, but I know that more work lies ahead.”

Daughtry will return to her role as assistant Senate majority leader, subject to a vote of the Senate on Dec. 7.

Democrats will continue to control both chambers of the Maine Legislature. They hold 82 of 151 seats in the House. Republicans have 67, independents two. Democrats hold 22 of 35 seats in the Senate.

In the race for governor, Harpswell backed incumbent Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, with 2,120 votes to 1,276 for former Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican, and 53 for Sam Hunkler, an independent. Statewide, Mills secured a second term with more than 55% of the vote.

For the 1st Congressional District, Harpswell preferred incumbent U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, to challenger Edwin Thelander, a Republican, 2,074 to 1,297. Pingree won her eighth consecutive term with almost 63% of the vote.

Harpswell voters passed all three questions in a special town referendum. They agreed to transfer $25,000 from surplus to bolster the Harpswell Home Heating Assistance Program, 3,225 to 223; to transfer $27,000 from surplus to remove the damaged emergency communications tower at the Orr’s Island Fire Station, 2,696 to 715; and to accept a donation of quahog seed from Running Tide Technologies Inc., 3,195 to 229.