Critz leads Burns in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District

(CNN) – Democrat Mark Critz had an early lead in Tuesday's special election to fill the House seat of the late Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha.

With 21 percent of precincts reporting, Critz had 58 percent of the vote. Republican businessman and first-time politician Tim Burns had 39.9 percent.

Murtha died in February, prompting the special election.

Critz worked for Murtha and had said he'd continue Murtha's legacy if elected.