State Sen. Joe Markley has won the Republican party nomination for lieutenant governor.

The 61-year-old conservative lawmaker from Southington was the party’s endorsed candidate. He fended off challenges from Jayme Stevenson, the first selectman of Darien, and Erin Stewart, New Britain’s 31-year-old mayor.

Markley was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984, serving one term. He returned to the legislature in 2011.

Known for organizing the 1992 rally to oppose the imposition of a state income tax, Markley has recently turned his attention to fighting any re-introduction of tolls on Connecticut highways.

Markley also has advocated eliminating state’s commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and opening up juvenile court proceedings to the public.