Democrat Pisciottano, Republican Dintini will vie to succeed retiring Sen. Jim Brewster

Democrat Nick Pisciottano and Republican Jen Dintini will vie in November to replace retiring Democratic state Sen. Jim Brewster.

Pisciottano, 34, a state representative from West Mifflin, cruised to victory in the Democratic primary over Makenzie White, 29, of Brentwood, a social worker and environmental consultant.

With 100% of precincts reporting, Pisciottano had 22,149 votes to White’s 8,005, according to unofficial results.

Brewster of McKeesport endorsed Pisciottano to succeed him in his 45th state Senate seat.

In the Republican primary, Dintini, 42, of Plum, who runs two security guard businesses, easily defeated Kami Stulginskas, 51, of Munhall, chair of the Steel Valley Republican Committee. Neither has held elected office.

Dintini received 9,921 votes to Stulginskas’ 3,326, according to unofficial results.

“I want to thank everyone who believed in my campaign over the past four months,” Dintini said in a statement Tuesday night. “I’m very proud to win this nomination. I’m looking forward to the general election, where I will present a clear alternative to the same old same old politics of yesterday.

“We cannot elect the same kinds of politicians and expect different results. Now is the time for a fresh start.”

The 45th Senatorial District covers Allegheny County’s Mon Valley and eastern and southern suburbs, including Plum, Monroeville, Brentwood, Baldwin and Castle Shannon.

Brewster, who held the seat for more than 12 years, is retiring at the end of this year.

Republicans will be looking to flip the longtime Democratic seat in November to hold their majority in the state Senate, while Democrats will want to hold it to improve their chances of taking control.

The district leans Democratic, with Democrats holding just under a 2-1 voter registration advantage.