HARRISBURG — Eugene DePasquale, a Democratic state legislator from York County, won a three-way race for state auditor general in Tuesday’s election.

DePasquale, 41, served as a deputy secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection in the Rendell administration.

His opponents were Republican John Maher, a state representative who ran on his standing as the only certified public accountant in the race, and Libertarian Party candidate Betsy Summers, a Wilkes-Barre businesswoman.

Both Maher and DePasquale also sought re-election in their state House districts on Tuesday. Both have served in the House since 2007. If DePasquale wins his House seat, he would have to give it up — necessitating a special election at extra expense to taxpayers.

Maher got 55,574 votes to 27,181 for DePasquale in Butler County voting.

Incumbent Jack Wagner is stepping down after serving the maximum two consecutive terms allowed by law.

The auditor general is an independent watchdog responsible for ensuring that public funds are spent properly and state programs are operated efficiently and effectively.

Maher, 53, of Allegheny County, founded the Pittsburgh public accounting firm Maher Duessel in 1989 and sold his interest before he entered the Legislature.

DePasquale earned a law degree while serving in the state Department of Environmental Protection. He said his executive and legislative experience qualified him for the job.

In the only televised debate of the campaign, both candidates vowed not to run for higher office while serving as auditor general.