U.S. REP. Dave Joyce, seeking his seventh two-year term in the 14th Congressional District position, turned back two challengers in Tuesday’s Republican primary.

Joyce of Bainbridge, Ohio, was the overwhelming winner in the Republican primary for the 14th Congressional District seat, getting about 77% of the vote.

He beat Elayne Cross of Kent and Kenneth Polke of Saybrook.

“I am honored to receive the continued faith of northeast Ohio Republicans,” Joyce said. “I could not have won this primary without strong support from my family, campaign staff, volunteers and most importantly the voters of (the district). Thank you for putting your trust in me to continue fighting for you in Washington.”

Joyce was first elected to Congress in 2012 after 24 years as Geauga County prosecutor.

He will face Democrat Brian Bob Kenteres of Mentor in the Nov. 5 general election.

Also, Maria Jukic, a former Euclid city councilwoman, filed as an independent candidate for the 14th Congressional District seat.

Jukic’s nominating petitions need to be certified in order for her to qualify for the Nov. 5 ballot.

The district includes all of Trumbull, Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties and all but two communities in Portage County.

Trumbull is the district’s second most-populous county behind Lake.

“The campaign does not end with this primary victory,” Joyce said. “I will continue to campaign aggressively in all five counties to earn the trust and support of all voters this November.”

The district has a 10% Republican advantage based on voting trends in partisan statewide elections in the past decade. Joyce far exceeded that advantage in 2022 when he beat Democrat Matt Kilboy by 23.5%.

“Northeast Ohio families are facing difficult challenges and they are looking for dependable leadership that can deliver common sense conservative results,” Joyce said.

He added: “I will always continue to put hardworking Ohio families ahead of politics by getting things done that put our communities first.”