Republican Jerry Knowles is leading Democrat Bill Mackey in both Schuylkill and Berks counties in a special election to fill the 124th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The seat became vacant when longtime Rep. David Argall was elected to the state Senate earlier this year.

Only a few precincts have reported, but Knowles is ahead by a comfortable margin in both counties.

Knowles, 60, is a former Schuylkill County commissioner. Mackey, 65, has failed in two previous tries against Argall to win the 124th seat.

Even if Knowles wins, Democrats will still control the House by a 104-99 margin.