Rumford-based Democrat John Patrick appeared poised to win the state Senate District 14 seat Tuesday over Republican H. Sawin Millett Jr. of Waterford.

Patrick was leading with 5,179 votes to Millett’s 2,726. Patrick carried his hometown of Rumford, the largest town in the district.

Still, Patrick wasn’t ready to claim victory as of 10:45  p.m., saying he wanted to see the results for Millett’s hometown of Waterford before claiming victory.

If he prevails, Patrick says his goals in the Senate will be to reform taxes and improve the state’s business climate.

“I’m hoping we can try to do something realistically that people can accept in the form of tax reform and on bettering Maine’s business climate,” Patrick said. “If there’s one thing I heard on the campaign, it was get jobs, jobs, jobs.”

The race between Millett and Patrick was to replace termed-out Sen. Bruce Bryant, a Dixfield Democrat.

Patrick said barring outside campaigning by third parties, the campaign was a cordial one and he respected Millett’s legislative career.

During the campaign, Millett said he wanted to create an economic recovery plan and balance Maine’s budget.

Both candidates have been leaders in the Legislature. Millett is the ranking Republican on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Patrick chaired the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee for four years before his term ended in 2008.