ESCANABA — The people have spoken and selected a few new faces will to join the Delta County Board of Commissioners, potentially tipping the scales on issues like the future of zoning in the county.

This year’s county board election was unique, largely due to redistricting that put two incumbent commissioners within the same district. Theresa Nelson (D), who currently represented District 3, and Bob Barron (R), who represented District 5, were suddenly vying for the single District 3 seat.

Only Barron will remain on the commission. He received 2,070 (53%) of the votes cast in the district, beating out Nelson, who received 1,813 (47%).

Only Republican Robert Peterson filed to fill the seat opened in District 5. As he ran unopposed, Peterson walked away Tuesday with 2,234 (98%) votes in his district.

In perhaps the most fiercely contested race Tuesday was the race for the District 4 seat, which represents a portion of the city of Escanaba. The race pitted incumbent Republican Dave Moyle against Kelli Van Ginhoven, who ran as an independent.

A third candidate, Democrat Meredith Seppanen, suspended her campaign. Despite not seeking the seat, her name appeared on the ballot Tuesday.

When all was said and done, Moyle took the seat, securing 1,213 votes (46%). Van Ginhoven received 771 votes 30%.

Sappanen took 628 votes (24%).

The only other contested race for county commissioner Tuesday was the race for District 2, the seat held by Delta County Board of Commissioners Chair Patrick Johnson, who did not seek reelection.

Two candidates, Democrat Casey Schroeder and Republican Steven Viau, vied for the seat, which represents the city of Gladstone. Ultimately, Viau took the seat, receiving 1,579 votes (64%). Schroeder received 895 votes (36%).

The remaining race, the race for the District 1 seat, was uncontested. Incumbent Republican John Malnar will remain in the seat. The final vote tally for Malnar’s seat was not available by press time.