Unofficial primary results this morning showed Nick Carter, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, held a small but sufficient lead over challenger Keith Goodenough, who conceded the race a short while ago.

Carter received 12,310 votes Tuesday to Goodenough's 12,006, giving him a 304 vote lead, which is not enough to trigger an automatic recount by the state.

Goodenough said he will not request a recount by the state. Recounts generally "do not change things from more than a couple of votes," he said.

State Election Director Peggy Nighswonger said the difference needs to be less than one percent of the top vote getter in order to create an automatic recount . Goodenough needed to be less than 123 votes behind Carter for the counties to sort back through the ballots.

Carter said he "feels great" about his win, saying he "knew it was going to be very close."

His campaign and him are now regrouping and focusing on the general election in November against Republican incumbent John Barrasso.

The Secretary of State will release official primary results after the State Canvasing Board meets on Aug. 27.