FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Indiana Congressman Jim Banks has apparently easily won re-election to his Third District Seat.
NBC, the Associated Press, and ABC News all declared Banks, a Republican, the winner in his defense against challenger Democrat Courtney Tritch with only 2% of precincts reporting.
They made the call due to a wide Banks lead in early returns, alongside other factors. Banks has represented Indiana in the U.S. House since 2017.
I want to thank Third District residents for giving me the opportunity to serve another two years. I am humbled by the faith that northeast Indiana has placed in me, and it is truly an honor to continue as your representative in Congress. (1/3)
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) November 7, 2018
I want to congratulate Courtney Tritch on a hard-fought and spirited campaign. Courtney and I may disagree on many issues, but I appreciate her passion for what she believes in. (2/3)
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) November 7, 2018
I am proud of what President Trump and this Congress have accomplished over the past two years, and I look forward to building on that success. (3/3)
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) November 7, 2018
Analysts suggested that Democrats had little chance of unseating the first-term Republican in a district that gave President Donald Trump a nearly-35 point win in 2016.
Banks’ victory speech at the Allen County GOP headquarters came at around 8pm with 33% of precincts in, despite Tritch having not yet conceded the race. She later gave a concession speech at the Democratic Party’s watch party:
