Credit union supported candidates saw victories in Tuesday’s primaries, including in Kansas and Michigan, and a likely victory in Ohio’s special election. Candidates are supported by CUNA’s political action committee, the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, and state leagues.

Ohio conducted a special election to fill the remainder of the term left open by retired Rep. Pat Tiberi (R). As of Wednesday afternoon, credit union-backed State Sen. Troy Balderson (R) held a 0.9% lead over opponent Danny O’Connor (D).

With 100% of precincts reporting, Balderson leads by 1,754 votes. Balderson has claimed victory, but there are more than 3,000 provisional ballots yet to be counted. Ohio law requires a recount if the margin is less than 0.5%.

The winner of the special election will serve until November, but regardless of this week’s outcome Balderson and O’Connor will face off again in November.

In the Kansas 4^th Congressional District primary, credit union-backed Rep. Ron Estes (R), defeated his opponent, also named Ron Estes, 81% to 19%. CUNA, the Heartland Credit Union Association and Kansas credit unions worked on a campaign supporting Rep. Estes among credit union employees and volunteers to combat potential confusion over the names.

In Michigan’s 9^th Congressional District, Andy Levin, son of incumbent Rep. Sandy Levin (D), won his Democratic primary with 73% of the vote over two other challengers.