Humboldt County voters overwhelmingly gave U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District seat, while 27-year-old Zane Starkewolf appeared to have seized the Republican nomination at midnight Wednesday.

Carol Wolman, who ran unopposed, won the Green Party nomination.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Thompson clinched 88.69 percent of the votes compared to his opponent Mitchell Clogg’s 11.05 percent.

Thompson said from Washington, D.C., that he was grateful to be fortunate enough to win the confidence of the district. Thompson, who has represented the 1st District since 1998, said his experience puts him in a position to make change. “Congress is a seniority-based institution,” the 57-year-old said. “The longer you’re here, the more you can do and the better you can do it.

“Our district has been shortchanged over the years and we need somebody who has been here awhile who can develop and build on the tenure they get.”

Clogg, 69, said though he was somewhat embarrassed to lose by such a large majority, he was even more saddened. “He really is what he is and he’s part of the problem,” he said. “Things are going to be missed — Mike is anything but an inspiring, hardworking public servant.”

Starkewolf had 58.05 percent of the votes, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, while his opponent Doug Pharr had 40.96 percent. Starkewolf claimed victory Tuesday night, saying he’s looking to the future and to winning the support of Democrats while maintaining his strong Republican base.

“I applaud Doug Pharr for a great race,” he said. “If he does win, I support him and will help his campaign as well.”

Pharr, 45, said losing would be bad for America because his viewpoint on the Iraq War wouldn’t prevail. “We need somebody to oppose Mike Thompson, particularly on this topic,” he said. “I think a Republican candidate who’s aligned with the views of John McCain is a good idea as opposed to someone who disagrees with him.”

Wolman couldn’t be reached Tuesday night for comment.