Congressional candidate David Schweikert is up by nearly 12,000 voters as early polling numbers start rolling out.

The margin has been widening between Schweikert and his opponent Congressman Harry Mitchell.

Schweikert: 59,134
Mitchell: 47,148

And his fellow-Republicans appear to be on the same path to victory.

There was a brief burst of jubilation when Schweikert shared the latest figures with his volunteers, which was followed by an obviously tired and cranky volunteer who said, "What is everyone so excited about? This is what we expected."

• Elections