By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

HAYS – Republican Butch Schlyer claimed the race for the Ellis County Commission 1st District in Tuesday’s election.

Schlyer defeated Democrat Chris Rorabaugh 43.45 percent to 33.54 percent (1,443 to 1,114). Independent John Walz was third with 22.88 percent (760 votes).

Schlyer said Tuesday he was pleased with the outcome.

“I knew it was going to be a pretty close race,” Schlyer said. “I’m just glad I came out ahead of the deal.”

The official canvass of the vote totals will be on Thursday Nov. 15th at 5 p.m. at the County Administrative Center.

Schlyer will begin serving his term on the county commission in January.