Former Maine House member and Waldoboro Selectman Abden Simmons defeated a Democrat Tuesday to win election in the House District 45 race.

Simmons defeated former Rep. Wendy Pieh of Bremen 52-48%, according to the Bangor Daily News. The district covers Waldoboro, Bremen, Friendship and Washington.

Maine House Republicans hailed the victory as a sign that “things are happening in the State of Maine.”

“House Republicans have taken a new direction that focuses on common sense policies that put citizens, workers and families first,” House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) said in a statement.

The win also means the addition of one seat in the GOP column at the State House. Although it doesn’t change the balance of power — Democrats still hold an 81-seat House majority — it gives the Republicans a boost following a surprisingly poor showing last November.

The special election was held Tuesday because former Rep. Clinton Collamore (D-Waldoboro) resigned from the seat earlier this year after facing accusations that he forged signatures to qualify for state campaign funds. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After the election results are certified and Simmons is sworn-in, he will join the Legislature as it works to wrap up business by the end of the month.