NEW CUMBERLAND - Two incumbents will be facing off against two Republican challengers in the November general election to see who will represent the residents of the 1st District in the House of Delegates.
Randy Swartzmiller and Ronnie Jones, both D-Hancock, are moving on to the general election following Tuesday's primary after defeating challenger Marilyn Boyd.
According to election results from the district, including all of Hancock County and a portion of Brooke County, Swartzmiller received 3,850 votes and Jones had 2,422 votes, while Boyd had 2,223 votes.
Swartzmiller said he'd like to thank all of the voters for their support. He said after 12 years of being a part of the House of Delegates it is still humbling to see the results and see them in his favor.
"It would be an honor to continue to serve as the representative voice of the people in the delegate district," said Swartzmiller.
Jones said he was happy with the results and thanked the voters for their support. He said he was surprised to see such a close turnout at the polls but is determined to work twice as hard for the general election.
"I've enjoyed my time as a delegate and I would appreciate an opportunity to be one again," said Jones. "I think Randy (Swartzmiller) and I work well together and I'd like to see us continue to do that and represent the people in the first district."
Swartzmiller and Jones will face Republicans Carl Thompson and Justin Bull in the general election. As there were no other Republican candidates for the office, the two automatically move on to the November ballot.
Hancock County Clerk Eleanor Straight said the canvassing of votes will begin on Monday. She said there already are several contested items and believes the numbers will change in some areas.
