Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran speaks to constituents at Rick’s on the Square in downtown Tyler during a Republican watch party on Tuesday night. By 9 p.m., Moran appeared to be cruising toward a victory over Democratic challenger Jrmar Jefferson in the race to replace Rep. Louie Gohmert in Congress.

Watch parties were held Tuesday night for the Nov. 8 election. 

Republicans gathered at Rick’s on the Square in downtown Tyler while Democratic supporters headed to Caribbean Kitchen. 

Nathaniel Moran got the nod to replace longtime Rep. Louie Gohmert in his 1st Congressional District seat, which represents Tyler and Longview and south to Nacogdoches and Lufkin. 

Moran faced Democratic challenger Jrmar Jefferson, who received 21.9% of the votes compared to Moran’s strong lead of 78.1%, according to unofficial results. 

State Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, came out victorious in Tuesday’s election and will continue serving the constituents of District 6.

Schaefer secured 73.3% of the vote while his competitor Democrat Cody Grace received 26.7%.