Rudy Veit is the Republicans' nominee to succeed Mike Bernskoetter in the 59th Missouri House District.
"I was glad for all the support and advice I got from people," Veit told the News Tribune. "It was a learning experience. It was a humbling experience."
In what way was it humbling?
"We established that none of us are as well known as we think we are or as liked as we think that we are," he said.
In unofficial totals reported by the county clerks in Cole and Miller counties, Veit, of Wardsville, captured 3,670 votes, or 50.509 percent of the total - almost twice as many as his nearest challenger, Karen Leydens of Jefferson City. She received 1,899 votes or 26.135 percent.
The district includes a portion of eastern Jefferson City, most of Cole County and a portion of northern Miller County.
Rik Combs of Lohman came in third among the five candidates, with 1,255 votes in the two counties or 16.859 percent.
Randy Dinwiddie of Olean came in fourth with 251 votes or 3.454 percent.
Kendra Lane of Jefferson City came in last, with 221 votes or 3.042 percent.
Veit will face Linda Greeson, of Eldon, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary and won 1,656 votes.
"I can assure you, I know her, and it will not be a muddy campaign on either side," Veit said.