Amash beats Pestka in 3rd Congressional

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Republican Rep. Justin Amash has won a second term representing the Grand Rapids area in Congress.

The 32-year-old from Kent County's Cascade Township beat Democratic challenger Steve Pestka of Ada and Libertarian Bill Gelineau in Tuesday's general election.

Early on in the race, votes coming in showed the race might be close, but in the end Amash pulled out ahead of Pestka.

In his victory speech, Amash said he's principled and independent and will "stick to his guns."

Amash gained notoriety during his freshman term in Washington for discussing each vote on social media and for displaying a libertarian streak. Earlier in the year, he endorsed Ron Paul for president.

Pestka is a retired circuit court judge who runs a family real estate business. He said the incumbent's conservative belief in a very limited role for government was far too rigid for the western Michigan district.

Amash defeated Democrat Pat Miles in the 2010 race to replace the retiring GOP Rep. Vernon Ehlers in the traditionally Republican 3rd District. This US House seat was once held by Gerald Ford when the district had different borders.