FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was taking victory laps Wednesday over preliminary results from the state’s primary election, not only for himself but for two Republican candidates he backed against a longtime lawmaker known as a fierce protector of public money who is seeking reelection.

Absentee ballots were still arriving and will be counted through next Monday, but Burgum's favored candidates, David Andahl and Dave Nehring, both held significant leads over House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer. A member of the Legislature since the early '90s, Delzer has sparred at times with lawmakers who thought the fiscal restraint he espouses got in the way of progress.

Burgum, a former software executive, gave $1.85 million to a political action campaign that targeted Delzer over his policies.

“North Dakota Republicans made it clear that they support innovative leaders who look toward the future and want to move the state forward,” Burgum said Wednesday in a statement. “They recognize that North Dakota has an opportunity to become a national leader and create a future filled with opportunity for all.”

Delzer, who farms near Underwood, did not return phone messages from The Associated Press. He appeared to concede likely defeat in remarks to the Bismarck Tribune, saying that he appreciated the opportunity to serve and that his future is being “a farmer and a citizen of McLean County and the great state of North Dakota.”

Rick Berg, the state Republican Party chairman, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he doesn't expect Andahl and Nehring to lose their leads when all the ballots are counted. He said the same goes for state treasurer, where another Burgum-backed choice was leading a candidate supported by U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer and President Donald Trump.

“It would be surprising if those changed,” Berg said. “It was one of those elections where everyone received their ballots well in advance, so I don't expect that.”

Some former and current lawmakers have criticized Burgum for opening up his wallet for a primary race. Berg said he was happy to see a nearly 3-to-1 ratio in Republican to Democratic voters, but said the supermajority also comes with conflict.

“This really was unprecedented in North Dakota and it brought with it a lot of tactics we're just not used to seeing,” Berg said. “I think 12 months from now, when the legislative session is over, that's when people will look back and say whether it was impactful or not.”

Burgum also declared victory for Fargo businessman and GOP Rep. Thomas Beadle in his matchup for treasurer against Rep. Daniel Johnston, who is viewed as a member of the far-right wing of the Republican-controlled Legislature that has been critical of the governor.

The governor's release did not mention Delzer, who served in the Legislature for 14 terms.

Berg, though, credited Delzer with making an impact during his years in the Legislature.

“He probably held the line on spending more than most," Berg said. "It's difficult when you're in charge of spending to make everybody happy, especially when you're a conservative. He held true to his position and his beliefs throughout his legislative career.”