State Rep. Timothy Bonner held the lead election night heading toward a possible reelection to the state 8th District House of Representatives.

“I would like to thank the voters of Pennsylvania House District 8 for the confidence and trust they have shown in me throughout this election and in today's vote,” Bonner said.

According to Butler County's unofficial returns Tuesday night, Bonner, a Republican, led with 8,557 votes to his opponent Democrat Phil Heasley's 1,795 votes. Election results are unofficial and do not include all mail-in ballots.

Bonner, of Grove City, scored the highest of his vote totals, 1,071, from Franklin Township.

According to Mercer County's election site, none of their precincts had reported unofficial returns by 12 a.m.

Bonner won a special election in April to serve out the remainder of the year for a term vacated by former Rep. Tedd Nesbit, a Republican who resigned at the start of the year to begin his new role as a Mercer County common pleas judge.

Heasley, of Center Township, lost to Bonner in the special election. Heasley said if he loses he plans to keep advocating for his community and calling attention to concerns about gerrymandering and voter suppression.

“I'm still going to keep fighting for every person in this district to make sure their voices are heard in Tim Bonner's office,” Heasley said.

Bonner said if his reelection becomes official, he will focus on the upcoming budget, which has a deficit of more than $4 billion.

“It is an honor and priviledge to be your state Rep. I look forward to serving the voters, not only as a strong vote, but also as a strong voice on their behalf in the state House. I ask the voters for their continued prayers for my service and for our country in these difficult times.”

“Beyond that, we need an effective plan to reopen our economy, still adhering to CDC health regulations and guidance,” he said.