Liberal Premier Will Hodgman has thanked Tasmanians for returning him to a second term and paid a heartfelt tribute to former attorney-general Vanessa Goodwin.

The Hodgman government was on Saturday night re-elected with a majority of at least 13 of 25 seats in the state's lower house.

But the win had a sombre undertone after the death of Mr Hodgman's one-time cabinet colleague.

Dr Goodwin, 48, died on Saturday after a battle with brain cancer.

"I thank you, Vanessa, for what you have done to help me and our party be the very best it can be," an emotional Mr Hodgman said of his childhood friend, who he visited in hospital on polling day.

"With the loss of someone so dear to us, it gives us a true perspective on life.

"But I can assure you that never before have I had a stronger resolve to lead a government that will forever do what is in our state's best interests."

Mr Hodgman has become just the second Liberal leader in Tasmania's history to be re-elected with a majority.

The Liberals lost two seats from a 2014 haul of 15.

Mr Hodgman trumpeted strong economic management and job creation throughout a relentless five-week campaign.

"Tasmania is a very different place now to what it was four years ago," he said during his victory speech.

"Our state is more confident, it is prouder, it is stronger. And I believe our best days are ahead of us."