Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw, an Afghanistan War veteran, fended off Democratic challenger Sima Ladjevardian in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District in Houston.

The Associated Press declared the 36-year-old freshman, who wears an eye patch to cover a war injury, the victor shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The congressional district has long been held by Republicans. Crenshaw succeeded seven-term Republican Ted Poe, who did not seek re-election in 2018.

Crenshaw’s victory tempers Democratic hopes for gains in Texas, where a surge in early voting had liberals yearning to pull off unexpected wins.

Elsewhere in Texas, Republicans were caught in closer races. GOP Rep. Chip Roy, for example, trailed former Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis in early votes in the Austin and San Antonio-area 21st Congressional District.