WEST FARGO — In one of North Dakota's most closely-watched legislative primary races, Republican voters in West Fargo's District 13 returned three incumbents to the general election ballot this fall after the district-endorsed slate of newcomers fell short in their bid to unseat the veteran legislators.

With all precincts reporting just before midnight, state Sen. Judy Lee and Reps. Austen Schauer and Jim Jonas had comfortable leads over Dr. Phillip Sallberg, Everett Duckworth and Russell Bubach. Lee garnered nearly 57% to Sallberg's 43%, while Schauer and Jonas had 32% and 31% of the vote, respectively, compared to Duckworth's 18% and Bubach's 18.3%.

Lee is looking to serve her 8th term in the Senate. Jonas, who is also on the West Fargo School Board, is running for his third term, while next session would be Schauer's fifth if he wins in the general election.

The incumbents were endorsed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong and U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven.