The incumbent for House of Representatives District 43 defeated a Democratic newcomer in a landslide, maintaining the historical pattern of Republican dominance in Highlands Ranch.

Rep. Frank McNulty beat Gary Semro with numbers almost identical to those posted in the race for Senate District 30, in which his GOP colleague Sen. Ted Harvey defeated Democrat Katie Facchinello 67 percent to 33 percent.

More than 32,600 votes were cast in the SD 30 race.

“It looks like the voters of Highlands Ranch have been swayed by our message of job creation and economic recovery,” McNulty said.

Democratic challenger Semro had said the community deserves a change in leadership. McNulty, who was re-elected for a third time, has promised controlled spending and opposition to bills that are not considered business-friendly. He says he follows the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility and government accountability. He also supports a sustainable water future and funding for higher education.

He had publicly opposed amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101, which were defeated during the Nov. 2 election.

“This is one where Democrats and Republicans came together,” McNulty said. “They decided these propositions are not the right way to go.”

McNulty, who is in the running for House speaker, said he wants to focus on budget challenges and crafting legislation that helps create private-sector jobs and supports the high number of entrepreneurs and small businesses in Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas.