Election officials in south-central Kansas will recount the votes in a Democratic legislative primary won by the incumbent by only seven votes.

Challenger Erich Bishop, of Hutchinson, asked Reno County on Friday to recount the votes in the 102nd House District. Bishop is trying to unseat Rep. Jan Pauls, also from Hutchinson. Pauls is a conservative Democrat who has served in the Legislature since 1991.

The final tally in their Aug. 7 primary showed Pauls beating Bishop 427-420.

Gay rights advocates have targeted Pauls for supporting legislation they believe would nullify local ordinances protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination.

Friday was the deadline for candidates in close legislative races to seek recounts.