Republican Rep. Glenn Thompson was reelected to the U.S. House seat representing Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District on Tuesday.

Thompson, 65, was running for a ninth term in his heavily Republican district. Thompson beat Democrat Zach Womer as declared by the Associated Press at 9:30 p.m.

Thompson, 65, was first elected to the House in 2008 when the region was in the 5th Congressional District. After 2018 redistricting he has served the broad 15th District, which includes McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties.

Following his win, Thompson said in a press release, “I am so thankful for the volunteers and supporters who have made this victory possible. This election was about hard work, determination, and providing the voters a clear vision for the road ahead.

“From Kittanning to Selinsgrove, from Warren to State College, and every town and municipality in between, the hardworking families of Pennsylvania recognize this election has been a choice between higher prices and handouts or unlocking America’s true economic potential,” he continued. “We still have a lot of work to do and I look forward to addressing these challenges as your voice and vote in Washington.”

Thompson is the chairman of the influential House Agriculture Committee and he is a senior member of the House Education & Labor Committee. Other committees he serves on include Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, Civil Rights and Human Resources.

He is a lifelong resident of Howard in Centre County, where he lives with his wife. The pair have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Thompson earned his undergraduate degree at Penn State and a Master of Education at Temple University. Before being elected to Congress, Thompson worked for 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitations services manager. He holds a license in nursing home administration.

Thompson is also an Eagle Scout and a volunteer firefighter.