ROCKFORD, Ill. — Republican Adam Kinzinger defeated Democratic challenger Wanda Rohl on Tuesday, opening a big lead in early returns to secure his second term as a U.S. Congressman from Illinois.

With about 99 percent of precincts reporting just after midnight, Kinzinger had garnered 177,621 votes, or 61.8 percent, while Rohl had collected only 109,954 votes, according to unofficial vote totals.

Kinzinger, of Channahon, said it was his district’s desire to see a smaller federal government that led to his victory in the redrawn 16th Congressional District.