HUNTINGTON -- Incumbent Nancy Cartmill fought off a tough challenge to win second term as Cabell County commissioner, according to unofficial tabulations reported Tuesday.

Cartmill accumulated 53.3 percent of the vote to defeat Democrat Susan Hubbard. The challenger's campaign raised more money and outspent Cartmill by about $10,000, according to the most recent finance reports.

Cartmill and Hubbard traded the lead three times as votes were tabulated Tuesday.

Cartmill was leading late, but held her breath to the end. She said nearly 6,500 straight-party Democratic votes contributed to a more narrow victory.

"For a Republican to overcome that and win, it's really exciting," she said. "I really think people know me. They know I work hard to do the right thing for Cabell County. I don't play politics. I just try to do the best thing."

Hubbard led early, but Cartmill charged back. The final results yielded a 17,203 to 15,044 vote margin.

Hubbard said the result ends a long campaign, along with a back-and-forth evening. She was at a loss for ways to explain the defeat.

"I'm glad it's over," she said. "It was up and down. I was kind of excited and then disappointed."

Cartmill will continue to serve with Democrats Bob Bailey and Scott Bias on the three-member commission. She had expressed concern about an all-Democrat commission and did so again Tuesday.

"We need a Republican," she said. "It just brings more balance."

The group faces a tight budget with little or no alternate streams of revenue. Cartmill said increasing law enforcement and building more ambulance stations are among her priorities.

Cartmill is a lobbyist for assisted-living issues at the state Legislature. She served as Barboursville's mayor for eight years.

Cartmill spoke out against a fee that takes money from Cabell County EMS and 911. She vowed efforts to repeal the measure. Both candidates also had supported economic development and increased water service in the county.