State Rep. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo, held a comfortable lead over challenger Pete DeBoer, R-Kingston, Tuesday night as a first round of general election results were released.

Appleton had earned 52.4 percent of votes to DeBoer’s 47.4, with 31,413 votes tallied from the 23rd Legislative District.

State Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge, was also leading her Republican challenger by a wide margin Tuesday. She had captured 55 percent of votes, while James Olsen trailed with 44.8 percent.

Appleton said she felt voters took note of her efforts on their behalf, as well as her legislative work done alongside Rolfes and State Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D — Bainbridge. The collaboration accomplished many things for constituents, she said Tuesday night.

“I worked hard and I think the citizens knew that I always worked hard for them so they returned me to office,” Appleton said.

DeBoer remained upbeat Tuesday night, stressing the results were preliminary.

“Half the votes are still out,” DeBoer said. “So we’ll see.”

Appleton, a 30-year Poulsbo resident, was elected to the Legislature in 2004. She serves as vice-chair of the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee and is a member of the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Health Care and Human Services Appropriations committees.

DeBoer is a two-term Port of Kingston commissioner who served for 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He also founded Olympic Printer Resources, an office supply company in Kingston, which he retired from in 2008.

Appleton captured 62 percent of votes in 2008 to defeat Republican challenger Larry Cooney of Poulsbo.

Check back for updates. For full election results, visit the Kitsap County Auditor’s website.