PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Democratic incumbent Andrea Salinas is maintaining a lead against Republican Mike Erickson in the race for Oregon's 6th District as votes continue to be counted post-Election Day.

As of 5 p.m. Nov. 6, Salinas boasts 54% of the vote and Erickson has 45%, according to data posted by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. Around 18,000 votes separate the candidates with more than 223,000 votes counted.

While the official results have not been posted by the Secretary of State's Office and the Associated Press has not projected a winner, Salinas posted a victory statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on election night.

“The people of #OR06 have spoken, and they have once again chosen me to be their voice and champion in Congress. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community and ready for the work ahead,” Salinas wrote. “Thank you for believing in me and our campaign.”

In a statement to KOIN 6 News on Wednesday, Erickson said he sees a path to victory as votes continue to be counted.

"We are waiting for more returns before we come to any final conclusions. There are many votes yet to be counted; we estimate that about 160,000 ballots are still uncounted in counties and precincts that are very favorable to my campaign. It is premature for Congresswoman Salinas to declare victory as only 30% of Marion County reported, and large segments of Yamhill and Polk to be counted. Most of Washington County has been reported, which is heavily Democratic. We believe there is a pathway to victory, and we will have a clear picture on Friday," Erickson said.

According to the Oregon Secretary of State's Office, the counties that makeup District 6 continue to tally votes -- including Clackamas County with 47% of votes counted, Marion County at 36% counted, Polk at 54%, Washington at 58%, and Yamhill at 51%, as of 4:15 p.m. Nov. 6.

Salinas previously won the race against Erickson to represent Oregon’s 6th District in 2022, but a poll – first reported by Politico — showed a tight race between the candidates for November 2024.

In a memo of a Cygnal poll, released by Erickson’s campaign in August, pollster Chris Lane said the Tigard businessman is “positioned to oust Salinas” and dubbed the race among “the top races to watch in ’24.”

According to the poll, an initial ballot test showed Salinas with 44% support from respondents compared to Erickson’s 42% with 14% undecided — highlighting the close race with a margin of error of +/- 4.29%

Salinas previously told KOIN 6 News she’s focused on addressing cost of living issues, noting the district is also facing issues with mental health and addiction crises, along with homelessness and affordable housing challenges.

Erickson has previously touted his experience as a businessman who has created jobs in the state, focusing his campaign on addressing inflation and border security.

Stay here for updates on Oregon’s 6^th District election.