U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan will likely hold onto to his seat, overwhelmingly leading two political newcomers who challenged him to represent the newly drawn 4th Congressional District.

Jordan, R-Urbana, will likely defeat Democrat Jim Slone of Elyria and Libertarian Chris Kalla of Lima, according to preliminary results available late Tuesday night.

Jordan, 48, said he was excited to represent the district, which now includes Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Shelby and Wyandot counties.

“We feel privileged and appreciative to the voters, taxpayers and families who are going to give me a chance again and some for the first time to represent them,” Jordan said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Jordan said he wanted to get re-elected to help get the nation back on track.

He said President Barack Obama’s economic policies have impeded recovery from the recession and made it difficult for the private sector to create jobs.

“The biggest thing we have to deal with is the deficit. We have to cut spending because if we don’t we’re going to have a debt crisis,” Jordan said.

Jordan said officials can boost the economy by establishing a simpler, flatter tax code and lowering the corporate tax rate.

“We have to create an environment conducive for job growth,” Jordan said.

Jordan advocates repealing the Affordable Health Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, because he said it increases health care costs and attacks religious freedom.

Slone, 65, a retired General Electric employee and union leader, has said new leadership was needed because Jordan has played a role in the division in Washington.

Slone criticized Jordan for many of his political positions, saying Jordan is wrong for wanting to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency and to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act.

Kalla, 34, a Libertarian, is a program director of the Hardin County Family YMCA.

During the campaign Kalla said he wanted to reduce the size of government, and cut federal spending by 43 percent in 2013 to return spending levels back to what they were in 2003.

He supported getting rid of the income tax and all federal taxes and replacing that with a 23 percent tax for all individuals and businesses.

Jordan on Tuesday said officials need to get the economy growing again without increasing taxes.

“We should not think about increasing taxes,” Jordan said.