Republicans had comfortable leads early this morning in District 4 races for legislative seats to serve the Coeur d'Alene area.

As of 12:45 a.m., John Goedde was on his way to being re-elected to the district's Senate seat with 5,399 votes (57.6 percent). The number was more than Democrat Warren Ducote Jr.'s 3,359 votes and Independent Jeremy Boggess, who had 616.

Luke Malek was headed toward being elected to the House's Position A seat formerly held by Marge Chadderdon, who did not seek re-election.

Malek had 5,349 votes (57.97 percent) as of this morning, while Democrat Janet Callen had 3,594 votes and Ray Writz of the Constitution Party 284.

In the race for the House Position B seat, Kathleen Sims was on her way to being re-elected with 5,279 votes (56.78 percent). Democrat Anne Nesse had 4,019 votes.

Goedde, a 63-year-old property casualty insurance producer, has served in the Senate since 2000. He has been a Kootenai County resident for 40 years.

While votes were still being counted, it appeared the Republicans were on their way to victory.

"I am looking forward to working with Luke as a new member of the House and Kathy as a seasoned veteran of the Legislature," Goedde wrote in an e-mail.

Goedde said his focus in the upcoming session would be to improve the education system, create jobs and balance the state budget.

Malek said he believes a steadfast effort during his campaign run separated him from his opponents.

"I knocked on doors and made sure I pushed e-mail and social media," Malek said. "My supporters - my family, friends, the Republican Party, Marge Chadderdon - made the difference."

Malek, an attorney and business consultant, was formerly executive director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency and is a founder of Kootenai County Young Professionals.

At 31, he would bring a younger perspective to the Legislature.

"I believe that this country's best days lie ahead if we place trust in individuals, empower the people and limit the role of government," he said. "I supported education reform and believe Idaho needs to take control of its own health care future. We also need to improve the job situation."

Sims, 70, has been an auto and motorcycle dealer for 44 years.

In her return to Boise, Sims said she would fight for private property rights, job creation and accountability, efficiency and transparency in government.