NEW PHILADELPHIA Uhrichsville Law Director Brett Hillyer apparently won the Republican nomination for the 98th District in the Ohio House of Representatives by eight votes in Tuesday's primary, based on unofficial totals.
He garnered 2,486 votes in the five-man race, edging out Dover Council President Shane Gunnoe, who had 2,478 votes. New Philadelphia businessman Greg Ress had 1,998 votes. Others in the race are Mark Behrendt of New Philadelphia, with 324 votes, and Larry V. Hawthorne of Mineral City, with 569 votes.
The final outcome of the race will depend on an expected recount, according to both Hillyer and Gunnoe.
Hillyer said the next two weeks will be grueling.
"I don't think it's over," Gunnoe said. "There are at least 80 provisional ballots that remain to be counted in Tuscarawas County, as well as any in Holmes County, and any military votes that have already been postmarked and are in the mail. I think were really looking at two weeks before we know the results of this election."
"It was a close race and everyone fought a good fight," Hillyer said. "Thankfully the voters gave me a push by eight votes. I thank the voters for their support."
In the general election, the winner will face Democrat Jeremiah Johnson, formerly a mayor and councilman in Sugarcreek.
The winner in the general election will succeed state Rep. Al Landis, R-Dover, who will leave office at the end of this year due to term limits.
The district includes all of Tuscarawas County and part of Holmes County. Gunnoe polled higher in Tuscarawas, and Hillyer polled higher in Holmes
In Tuscarawas County, Gunnoe got 2,314 votes, or 33 percent, compared to Hillyer's 2,148 votes, or 31 percent.
In Holmes County, Hillyer won 199 votes, or 39 percent, and Gunnoe, 81 votes, or 16 percent. Ress took 153 votes, or 30 percent.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
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