Beth Martin may be changing desks at the property assessor’s office as she came one step closer to taking her boss’ job Tuesday by winning the Democratic nomination.
Martin, in her first run for political office, took the Democratic nomination over a field of 10 other hopefuls Tuesday night in what was the largest field to seek any office in local history.
Martin won the Democratic nomination by gaining 1,439 votes, or 34.1 percent of the total vote. Finishing second was Randy England with 932 votes or 22.1 percent.
They were both first and second in spending on their campaigns, with Martin spending about $3,000 more than England did. The 11 competitors spent a combined $42,000 in seeking the Democratic nomination.
“I had a lot of good support from friends and family members who helped me with this campaign. This would not be possible without them,” said Martin during her victory celebration. “I want to thank all the voters who put their confidence in me.”
Balloting for the property assessor outdrew voting for the Republican nomination for U.S. President by over 1,300 votes.
The win means Martin will now face a father-and-son tandem during the General Election in August, including Republican candidate William D. Studer and his son, Paul Studer, who is running as an independent. Local real estate broker Danny Clay Martin is also on the ballot as an independent making it a four-way race in August.
The fiercely competitive election comes with the retirement of longtime Property Assessor Carolyn Miller, who is calling it a career after 20 years in office.
Martin has worked for Miller in the property assessor’s office for five years and was the only current office employee seeking the office.