By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

For the first time in 40 years, Ellis County had elected a Republican County Treasurer.

Republican Treasurer candidate Lisa Schlegel defeated incumbent Democrat Ann Pfeifer 51.1 percent to 48.8 percent in Tuesday’s general election.

Schlegel told Hays Post on Tuesday night she is extremely happy with the results and said she is excited to begin working for the county.

“I am feeling humbled and happy that Ellis County voters picked me,” Schlegel said, “especially after all I’ve done to get people to know me.

“I feel like they really picked me because of how much I put out there about myself.”

Schlegel will officially take over the treasurer position in October 2017.

“I’m thrilled,” Schlegel said. “I’m ready to start the hard work.”

Pfeifer was elected in 2012 and took over for Mike “Mickey” Billinger in 2013. Billinger was elected to the position for the first time in 1976 and held the position until resigning in March 2013.

Two hundred and sixty-four provisional ballot still need to be counted, and the results will become official following the canvass at Monday’s Ellis County Commission meeting.