U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Webster, was cruising to a third term in Congress with a strong lead over Democrat challenger Michael Cole in Tuesday’s election.

In a relatively close vote in Jefferson County, Weber led 51-49 percent. Across the district Weber had 159,061 votes, 62 percent, to Cole’s 97,696 votes for 38 percent with 80 percent of the precincts reporting.

Weber, 63, holds a key leadership role on the Science, Space, and Technology committee serving as the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee where he serves on the Middle East, North Africa Subcommittee, as well as the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Weber served four years in the Texas State House. During his tenure, Weber served on the committees of Environmental Regulation, Public Education, and as Vice Chair of Border and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Weber has lived in a 20-mile radius for all his life and has been married to Brenda, a retired schoolteacher from Nederland, for over 40 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.