PORTLAND (AP) — Democrat Kurt Schrader soundly defeated Republican Mike Erickson Tuesday in the race to fill the open congressional seat in Oregon’s 5th District.

Schrader, a state senator from Canby, led Erickson 58 percent to 35 percent with 33 percent of the vote counted.

Republicans earlier thought they would have a shot at taking the seat after incumbent Democrat Darlene Hooley announced in February she wouldn’t run again.

But Erickson, who touts himself as pro-life, was dogged by allegations that he paid for a girlfriend’s abortion seven years ago. He denies those allegations.