The initial ballot count favors Republican Glenn Anderson for in District No. 5 for the Washington state representative.

The incumbent, Anderson took 60 percent of the vote and challenger David Spring has about 40 percent.

Only 18 percent of the mailed ballots have been counted so far.

“I’m a big believer for waiting until everyone is counted, but it looks like the lead is pretty good,” Anderson said Tuesday night.

Anderson has represented the legislative district, including Issaquah and Sammamish, in Olympia for 10 years.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” said the Fall-City native.

If he wins, his focus will be making sure the state is financially “solid,” he said.

“People are very anxious and concerned about job creation and about the state budget,” he said. “They know they’re going to have to pick up the bill if it doesn’t stop.”

Challenger Spring’s campaign focused heavily on improving state education. He wasn’t available Tuesday night for comment.