State Sen. Peter Bragdon (R-Milford) has been elected the new Senate Republican Leader.

Bragdon defeated state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester), who was the Republican leader last legislative session. According to a press release, all 10 Republican state senators supported Bragdon's bid.

"I look forward to having the Senate Republicans work as a team along with the Democrats as we tackle some of the serious challenges facing the state," Bragdon said in a statement.

State Sen. Mike Downing (R-Salem) said the Republican caucus wanted a "new direction."

"It was the caucus's feeling that we needed a new direction, a new focus especially with the budget problems we face, and that we needed to open up the channels of communication between the minority and the majority and the governor's office," Downing said.

Bragdon's selection will be made official on Dec. 3rd when state senators are sworn-in.