DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican incumbent Zach Nunn is the projected winner in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.

With over 99% of the expected votes counted, the incumbent edged out Democratic challenger and political newcomer, Lannon Baccam, by almost 4%.

Representative Nunn gave a victory speech at his watch party at the Hilton Downtown on Tuesday night.

“The reality is this wasn’t supposed to happen,” he said at the beginning of the speech before referencing late polls that predicted he would trail behind Baccam. But, that wasn’t the case.

Of the 21 counties in this district, 20 went red including Dallas County, which was the county to watch in this race. Democrats said Baccam was growing in popularity there, but he ultimately trailed behind Nunn by around 4,000 votes.

The only county that went blue in the Third District is Polk County, where Baccam leads by 11% of the current votes counted.

Nunn addressed his supporters saying, “We have been able to deliver for Iowa. We will work across the board and we will continue to fight for Republicans, Independents, Democrats, but most importantly, we will always fight for Iowa.”

Representative Nunn was ranked one of the top ten most bipartisan members of Congress in a report released by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University in May.

He concluded his speech saluting to the audience. He said, “It’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about recognizing that we have a mission ahead of us. And our mission is to serve this district the best we can, but most importantly to fight to serve Iowa, to stand up for Iowa, and to make Iowa’s best be America’s best. I look forward to serving with you on the mission ahead.”

Nunn has never lost a race in his decade-long political career.

Baccam has yet to address the results of the race. A spokesperson for the Iowa Democratic Party told WHO 13 News that he did not concede last night as there were still more votes to count. He is expected to provide a statement later this morning.

However, the chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Rita Hart addressed supporters at their watch party last night as votes were still being counted.

She said, “Win or lose tonight, we have another election right around the corner. We have always known that in addition to hard work, it’s going to take time. We need to stick together and keep going.”