CADIZ — With a long and tumultuous election season coming to an end, Harrison County residents elected Paul Coffland to the county commission and Joshua M.A. Willis as recorder.

The race for commissioner pitted Coffland, a Republican, against current Commissioner William Host, a Democrat. Host has served on the Harrison County Board of Commissioners for 12 years. His opponent isn’t new to the political game, either, having run for county commissioner against Host four years ago.

Coffland captured 3,572 to Host’s 3,264. Host said his campaign had worked as hard as it could, and seemed to take his loss gracefully.

“We did about all we could do,” said Host, watching the results at Democratic Party headquarters in Cadiz. He said he wanted to thank all of the voters that turned out on Tuesday and wishes Coffland nothing but the best.

Coffland said he is “obviously excited and grateful” to the voters who gave him this opportunity. He went on to say that Host deserves thanks for working as a county commissioner for 12 years, noting that the job hasn’t always been easy. He is looking forward to starting his term and helping to continue the great work that has already started in Harrison County.

“I’m looking forward to working with Commissioner Bethel and Commissioner Norris to continue to make good, sound decisions for the county,” said Coffland. “We’re in a great position for our county to move forward with our oil and gas, as well as building on what we already have.”

Coffland isn’t the only newcomer to the ranks of Harrison County elected officials. Willis, a Republican, defeated longtime Recorder Tracy Boyer, a Democrat, in his first run for a political office, with 3,492 to Boyer’s 3,338. Coffland was pleased with the results, noting he was a little nervous coming in.

“I knew that it was going to be tight race,” said Willis. “I’m very pleased with the results.”

Willis will take office on Jan. 2, while Coffland will take his position at the commissioners’ table on Jan. 3.