Tedd Nesbit

GROVE CITY — Incumbent state Rep. Tedd Nesbit, R-8th, turned in a commanding performance Tuesday, overcoming a rare contested general election in the 8th District against Democratic candidate Judy Hines.

Hines, who ran a write-in campaign in the primary election to win a spot on November’s general election ballot, never gained enough momentum to challenge Nesbit, a lawyer who replaced longtime Republican House member Dick Stevenson in 2015. Stevenson retired that year after 15 years in the General Assembly.

Nesbit, in claiming victory Tuesday night, said he was impressed with the number of voters who flocked to the polls, and pledged to continue to work to reign in spending and continue constituent outreach efforts throughout his district.

“I was excited to see so many people come out and vote,” Nesbit said. “I’m humbled and honored by the results. I’ve worked hard, and I promise to continue to work hard for my constituents.”

The 8th House District includes portions of Butler and Mercer counties. In Butler County Nesbit won 8,029 votes, or slightly more than 69 percent. Hines won 3,568 votes, or 30.75 percent.

In Mercer County Nesbit won 9,971 votes, or 64.6 percent. Hines won 5,452 votes, or 35.3 percent.

Overall, Nesbit won 18,000 votes and Hines won 9,020, according to unofficial vote tallies posted online by election officials in both counties.

Hines did not return messages Tuesday seeking comment.