LAND O'LAKES, Fla. — Within a half-hour of polls closing Tuesday evening, Ardian Zika declared victory in the three-way Republican primary for the Florida House of Representatives 37th District seat.

“This is an overwhelming experience. I’m so moved to be here tonight and have the votes of the community and the support," Zika said.

Unofficial results showed Zika with a more than 30 percent lead against assistant state attorney Elle Rudisill and more than 40 percent against Navy veteran Ryan Patrick Boney.

Zika, 38, is a businessman and former banker. He said if elected, his priorities will be implementing sound education policy, protecting the environment and strengthening the district's economy.

He said the district, which covers central Pasco County, should focus on bringing in recession-proof jobs such as cybersecurity positions.

An immigrant who first came to the U.S. from Kosovo in 1997, Zika said Tuesday's results were especially meaningful given his journey to this point.

"I would've never thought 21 years ago that I would be here tonight, standing as the GOP nominee candidate for the Florida House District 37," Zika said. "We live in an exceptional nation, and I'm a product of America's exceptionalism, and I will always defend America's greatness."

The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Tammy Garcia in November's general election.