U.S. Rep Mike Kelly, along with his family and staff, talks to supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday evening, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, along with his family and staff, talks to supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Republican Mike Kelly jumped out to an early lead in his run for a seventh term representing the 16th District in Congress and won by a wide margin in most of the six northwestern counties that make up the district.

His Democratic opponent, Erie businessman Daniel Pastore, saw a slight lead early in the vote count in Erie County turn in Kelly's favor.

"The people have spoken, and I am honored once again to receive the trust and support of my fellow Pennsylvanians," Kelly said. "Together, we will work to lower the cost of living and fight crippling inflation; lower gas prices and expand American energy production; create a healthier and safer America; and create a government that's accountable to the American people. I am ready to continue fighting for all of my constituents and to continue bringing Western Pennsylvania's values to Washington, not the other way around. It's time to take back our country."

According to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, Kelly had a significant lead over Pastore in Butler, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties at 11:30 p.m. In Erie County, Kelly had only a slight lead, 44,056 to 42,931, according to incomplete and unofficial results available at press time.

With all precincts in Butler County reporting, Kelly received 61,114 votes and Pastore received 31,561 votes, according to unofficial results.

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U.S. Rep Mike Kelly gets some good news from Tom Qualtere about polling numbers on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Melanie Brewer talks with U.S. Rep Mike Kelly about the incoming polling numbers at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep Mike Kelly, along with his wife, Victoria, greets supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Tim Butler, chief of staff for U.S. Rep Mike Kelly, along with Kelly's campaign manager Melanie Brewer, talk to the congressman about the incoming polling numbers at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly greets his supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, evening. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly talks with some of his supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, evening. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly greats supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, evening. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly prepares to address supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, evening. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, along with his family and staff, talks to supporters at his Election Night Watch Party at Hardwood Café on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle