After a highly contested special election, Republican Fred Keller will be the 12th Congressional District's next representative.

Keller — who ran on a platform focused on economic growth, tax reduction and agricultural support — beat out Democrat Marc Friedenberg by about 36 points. The election was called just two hours after polls closed on May 21.

“I’m honored to have the support of the hardworking people of the 12th Congressional District and for their trust in electing me to represent them in Congress,” Keller said in a statement. “Tonight is the beginning of us working together to address the issues that the people have told us will positively impact every family across central and northeast Pennsylvania.”

With an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Keller was expected to win the election in the largely red district. The seat was previously occupied by Republican Tom Marino, who resigned in January for health-related reasons.

Great news for Republicans: Fred Keller has just won the hard fought for Pennsylvania Congressional contest in a LANDSLIDE, over 70% of the vote. Thanks to the thousands who showed up for the Rally last night. Congratulations to Fred and his wonderful family! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2019

Keller won with 68.1% of the vote, receiving 89,176 votes to Friedenberg's 41,794.

Fourteen of the 15 counties in the district voted Republican, with a blue turnout only in Friedenberg’s home county, Centre County, where he won 66.2% of the vote.

Voter turnout in Centre County was low, with only 13.1% of registered voters casting a ballot.

Keller previously served five consecutive terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Snyder and Union counties. Known for his more conservative positions, Keller was given a 90% lifetime rating by the American Conservative Union.

This is the second time Friedenberg, a Penn State professor of information sciences and technology, has lost the seat. In November 2018, he lost to Marino by 32 points, or about 80,000 votes. His special election campaign was centered on job reform, healthcare and environmental issues.

In a speech held after the election results were announced, Friedenberg said he is looking to the future, hoping to "turn Pennsylvania blue" during the 2020 election and "end the Trump administration."

Both Keller and Friedenberg received strong support from major names in politics. Trump campaigned for Keller on May 20 in Montoursville, while Friedenberg received endorsements from Senator Bob Casey and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman.

For 25 years, Keller worked as the plant operations manager of a cabinet making company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and also served as the general contractor of his self-started small business managing properties.

On Keller’s website, his outlined policies focus on supporting Pennsylvania farmers, helping businesses and workers, reducing taxes and investing in the public education system. He supports increased competition in the health insurance marketplace and believes individuals with pre-existing conditions should be protected.

As a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Keller also strongly supports the Second Amendment.