Waterford — Democrats endorsed Martha Marx for a run in the 40th state Senate District and state Rep. Chris Soto for another term representing the 39th Assembly District in conventions held this week.

Marx, the New London Democratic Town Committee chairwoman and former city councilor, unanimously was endorsed Monday during the 20th District Democratic convention at Clark Lane Middle School in Waterford.

Marx is challenging incumbent state Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, in the 20th District, which includes Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, New London, Salem, Bozrah and Montville.

Soto received a unanimous endorsement during a New London Democratic Town Committee gathering on Tuesday. New London Board of Education member Jason Catala, who had registered as a candidate to face Soto, withdrew his name from consideration a day before the convention.

A Republican challenger has yet to emerge.

Marx is a mother of four and has been a registered nurse for 33 years. Raised in Waterford, she is a UConn graduate and has been a New London resident for more than 30 years.

Soto is a U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and founder of the local nonprofit Higher Edge, and is serving in his first term in the legislature. He is a member of the Appropriations Committee and Housing Committee, and is vice chairman of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee.