OMAHA, Neb. (AP) U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith has defeated his Republican challenger in the primary race for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District.

The four-term congressman on Tuesday beat Tom Brewer, who served for 36 years in the Nebraska National Guard was deployed six times to Afghanistan.  With about 90% of the precincts in, Smith had about 68% of the vote.

Smith has represented western Nebraska in the U.S. House since 2007. He serves on the powerful, tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee.

Brewer was a political newcomer who said he would offer the rural district stronger and more independent leadership if he’s elected. He continued his campaign even after he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Smith will face Democrat Mark Sullivan in the November general election. The overwhelmingly rural and conservative district encompasses the western three-fourths of Nebraska.

Nebraska two other Republican Congressman also defeated primary challenges. Jeff Fortenberry in District 1 had an easy time, picking up 86% of the vote against Jessica Turek and Dennis Parker, but Omaha Congressman Lee Terry in District 2 struggled to beat Dan Frei with about 54%

U.S. House District 1 GOP – Primary
440 of 484 precincts – 91 percent
x-Jeff Fortenberry (i) 60,014 – 86 percent
Jessica Turek 5,576 – 8 percent
Dennis Parker 4,134 – 6 percent

U.S. House District 2 GOP – Primary
137 of 250 precincts – 55 percent
x-Lee Terry (i) 19,823 – 54 percent
Dan Frei 17,088 – 46 percent

U.S. House District 3 GOP – Primary
820 of 918 precincts – 89 percent
x-Adrian Smith (i) 61,705 – 68 percent
Tom Brewer 28,913 – 32 percent