WASILLA -- Three Mat-Su Republican incumbents racing to keep their House seats faced primary election challengers. All three had strong leads in early returns Tuesday night.

Rep. Mark Neuman, representing District 15 in northern Mat-Su, faced challenger April Moore of Trapper Creek. With two-thirds of the votes in, Neuman had a commanding lead. If the numbers hold, Neuman will face Democrat Lew Dischner in the general election.

In the Palmer-area District 13, Rep. Carl Gatto was in a three-way race against David Parks and Florence Scott. With two-thirds of the votes counted, Gatto had a strong lead. The winner will face Democrat contender David Cheezem in the general election.

Rep. Bill Stoltze, running for re-election in Chugiak/Mat-Su District 16, faced two Butte-area challengers: J.D. Hatley and Kent Hermon. With all but one precinct counted, Stoltze was in a winning position late Tuesday night. The winner faces Democrat Beverly Serrano in the general election.