Duncan D. Hunter has been declared the victor in the Republican primary for the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter.

With almost 13 percent of precincts reporting, Hunter leads with 73.9 percent of the vote. Santee City Councilman Brian Jones and businessman Brian Watkins trail with 14.2 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.

Hunter, a businessman and Iraq veteran, is expected to face off against Democrat Mike Lumpkin in November’s general election. Early returns show Lumpkin, a former Navy Seal leading primary rival Vickie Butcher by a commanding 58.8 percent to 41.2 percent margin.

The District 52 seat spans the San Diego area.