WOODSFIELD — Two of Monroe County’s incumbent commissioners were unseated Tuesday with the seats to be filled by two Republicans.

In one commission seat race, Republican Diane Burkhart defeated incumbent Commissioner Carl Davis, a Democrat, in the general election. Burkart won with 4,703 votes to Davis’ 2,202 votes, according to unofficial totals released by the Monroe County Board of Elections

Burkart will become the first female Republican commissioner in Monroe County history. She is a lifelong resident of the county and is very excited to fill her new seat, she said.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with the other commissioners and people in the county,” she said.

Burkhart has been involved in education for nearly 50 years and is hoping to bring a proactive approach to the commission post.

“I’m looking forward to making the community have more jobs, more resources and make it a better place for people to live,” she said.

Burkhart said she plans to work to attract new jobs,improve infrastructure and expand broadband coverage throughout communities in the county. Another goal she has is to develop a plan to remain proactive.

“I want to make it so we have goals of where we want to be in four years. I want to speak with people and figure out where it is we as a county want to be and then work toward that goal so we always know exactly where we are headed and work together to ensure it comes to fruition,” she said.

In another commission race between three candidates, Republican William Bolon beat both incumbent Commissioner Tim Price, an independent, and Democrat Ron Taylor. Bolon garnered 3,811 votes, Price received 1,410 votes and Taylor 1,756 votes.

Bolon has been a small business owner in the county for the past 18 years and was formerly the mayor of Woodsfield for 26 years. Bolon said he believes his prior experience will aid him in his endeavour as commissioner.

Bolon said he is grateful the voters have given him the opportunity to serve the community for the next four years.

“I’ll work every day to show them that the support was a positive on their part,” he said.

Bolon said he plans to address issues in the county including unemployment, low economic growth and road infrastructure concerns.

“I look forward to starting in January to move forward making the county a better place to live and work,” he said.