With 81.89 percent of precincts reporting, Ken Mercer holds a large lead over Steve Salyer in the State Board of Education District 5 Republican Primary.

Mercer (70.68%) holds a commanding lead over Salyer (29.31%).

Mercer was elected to the State Board of Education in November 2006 and serves as chair of the board's Committee on School Initiatives. He previously served as vice chair of the board's Committee on School Initiatives and vice chair of the board's Committee on Instruction.

Salyer is an Army veteran where he won the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal during his service.