Lance Locks Up 7th Congressional District Republican Primary

The Republican primary for the 7th U.S. Congressional district in New Jersey was not expected to be close.

Expectations are bearing out so far tonight.

With 99% of the total vote reported, incumbent Leonard Lance, of Clinton Township in Hunterdon County, is leading challenger David Larsen with 60% of the vote compared to 40%, reports news12.com.

With 373 of 638 precincts reporting (or 58% of the vote), the AP declared Lance the winner. Lance had these remarks in his acceptance speech:

"I thank all of those who have made tonight's strong victory possible. Most especially, I thank my wife, Heidi, for her love and support.

"Today the people of the Seventh Congressional District have voted for fiscally conservative policies of lower taxes, less spending, balanced budgets and paying our bills fully and on-time. These policies will bring much-needed certainty to our Nation's economy.

"I am honored by the vote of confidence I received today and promise to continue the fight for fiscal responsibility in Washington."

The 7th Congressional district currently covers large portions of Union, Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset counties, parts of Warren County, and Millburn in Essex County.

In Union County, the 7th Congressional district includes Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, New Providence, a portion of Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, a portion of Union, Westfield and Winfield.

The remainder of Scotch Plains and all of Fanwood are in the 12th district, which has no contested primaries.

ran unopposed in the 7th Congressional district Democratic primary.

Keep checking back for updates.