John Pallone likely will continue to serve the 54th District in the state House of Representatives.

With all of precints reporting, Pallone, 47, defeated challenger Anthony Shea, 41, for the Democratic nomination with 83 percent of the vote. He first won in 2001.

"I'm overwhelmed given the margin of victory," Pallone said.

Shea earned only 17 percent of the vote. The Gilpin Township resident had hoped to bring change to the area.

Because no Republicans filed to run for that party's nomination, Pallone of New Kensington likely will continue to serve the district, which includes Export and parts of Murrysville and Penn Township.

A Republican could win a spot on the ballot through a write-in campaign. Write-in votes were not available at press time.

Pallone said he plans to continue working on legislation involving public safety, education, transportation and help for those with special needs. He said his victory proves that the citizens of the district have faith in him.

"I believe the folks in the 54th District realize I'm a man of action, not of words," Pallone said.

The race was Shea's first attempt to win a role in state government. He retired from the Air Force in January.

Pallone said he was surprised to face opposition from within his own party.

"The spirit of democracy says folks will run because in this country we can," he said.

If he is re-elected to another term, Pallone hopes to reach out to those who are dissatisfied with his job performance, he said.

"My goal throughout the next two and a half years will be to build those bridges," Pallone said.

The results are unofficial until certified by the state election bureau.