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After winning by a margin of four votes in 2010, incumbent Democratic Rep. Donna Howard knows not to take anything for granted.

"I think my election last time around really shows that it does make a difference when you get out and vote," she said.

Howard kept a close eye on the results pouring in Tuesday night. District 48 is about 60 percent different after lawmakers redrew lines last session.

For Howard, it meant meeting and winning over a new batch of voters.

"Pretty clearly they've been saying they're very concerned about restoring funding to education and restoring funding to the women's health program," she said.

Challenger Robert Thomas says he came at this race hoping to put a more conservative voice in the State House, and while he came up short, he says he learned a lot along the trail.

"I thought with my background, with my MBA and law degree, being a business owner, that I had something to add and I wanted to make a difference for our district," Thomas said. "It has connected me with people, it has made me a better listener. It's made me way more thoughtful. I have a much greater appreciation for the breadth and diversity of opinions."

However, it looks like it's Howard who will be back at the State Capitol in January. She says she's hopeful with the economy coming back, and more money in the bank, an agreement to use some of that money can be reached.

"At some point you have to use some of that money,” Howard said. “I think it looks pretty strange to have some shortfalls in the budget and have maybe $10 billion sitting in the bank it's time to use some of those funds as we have many times over the past couple of decades that we've had the Rainy Day Fund. We have tapped into it many times."

The next legislative session kicks off in January.