Facing his first primary challenge, state Rep. Jon Burns likely is headed back for another two-year term in the General Assembly.

Burns, who also is the state House of Representatives majority leader, won more than 76 percent of the vote in District 159, which encompasses parts or all of three counties. Burns, seeking his seventh term in office, accumulated 3,857 votes to challenger Daniel Almond’s 1,216.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Burns said. “I have lots of good friends and folks I’ve worked with over the years. We look forward to continuing the progress we’ve made in the state.”

Burns took Effingham —his home county and Almond’s home as well —1,359 to 402, taking 77.2 percent of the vote. In Screven County, Burns won 85.7 percent of the votes cast.

“I think the record speaks for itself,” Burns said of his victory. “We’re making Georgia a better place, and District 159 is a beneficiary of that success. We look forward to continuing to create jobs and let everybody know what a great place we live in.”

Bill Hitchens, who represents House District 161, and Jack Hill, who represents Senate District 4, faced no opposition in the primary.