Dennis DeWitt beat incumbent Susan Stasny in the Republican primary runoff election for Bee County commissioner, Precinct 2.

DeWitt, an employee of the Bee County Community Affairs Department, was greeted with handshakes and hugs as the final totals came in Tuesday evening.

DeWitt gathered 409 votes compared to 385 for Stasny.

Even as the early voting came in, DeWitt held a lead over Stasny with 212 votes compared to 148.

“I appreciate the confidence of the voters of Bee County,” DeWitt said moments after hearing the news.

DeWitt described the county as a diamond in the rough but one that “could be the shining diamond of the Coastal Bend.”

“I am looking forward to everyone working together,” he said.

Stasny, who has served as commissioner for 20 years, offered her thanks to those who showed her support.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Precinct 2 as their commissioner,” she said. “It was close with 24 votes. I go out with my head up.”

DeWitt said that while this was a victory that gives him the Republican nomination, it is not a guaranteed win.

While there is no Democratic candidate for the office, a write-in is still possible in the November election.

DeWitt has worked for the county for the past 10 years, which is ultimately what led him to seek the office.

“Working for the county, you see what goes on and what you think should go on,” he said. Being commissioner, he said, would give him the opportunity to change those things he felt needed improvement.

DeWitt, a former regional director in the parks system of Texas Parks and Wildlife, will have to leave the health department prior to taking office Jan. 1.

Stasny said that she has not decided if she will ask for a recount.

“My supporters have asked me to ask for a recount,” she said. “I just need to think about.”

Also on the ballot was the race for U.S. representative, District 15. Paul B. Haring was challenging Eddie Zamora.

Haring won in Beeville with 512 votes compared to 338 for Zamora.

Statewide, Zamora won with 57 percent of the vote. He will face incumbent Congressman Rubén Hinojosa in the fall.

Additionally on the ballot was the race for Supreme Court justice, Place 3, with Rick Green facing Debra Lehrmann.

Green won in Beeville with 450 votes compared to Lehrmann with 351 Statewide, Lehrmann won with 52 percent of the votes.