News note: This story was updated to include Moore conceding her loss.
SHELTON — Challenger Kevin Dorcy has defeated incumbent City of Shelton Commissioner Tracy Moore.
Shelton businessman Dorcy maintained his lead by 727 votes, or 50.52 percent, to Moore’s 712 votes, or 49.48 percent, according to the Mason County Auditor's Office Elections Department, which made the final count late Monday afternoon.
The final results will be canvassed and certified on Tuesday.
Dorcy's lead narrowed to as little as 10 votes after the last vote count.
In a Facebook post on her campaign page, Moore congratulated Dorcy for his win.
Moore said she was disappointed she didn't win the election, but believes the change to a city council “is the most important thing we could have accomplished.”
“We may have lost the battle but won the war,” Moore stated in the post.
“I'm excited for the next few weeks, and look forward to working with Kevin for a smooth transition.”
It is the final city commission election before the city makes the transition next year to a seven-member council.
Shelton voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1 with a final tally of 943 for, or 64.37 percent, to 522 against, or 35.63 percent, to expand to a seven-member city council.
City leaders are already laying the groundwork for a new city council.
Fina Ormond, Mason County Auditor’s Office elections superintendent, said Dec. 15 is the deadline for the existing city commissioners to pass a resolution calling for elections to seat four new city council members.
The three-day candidates filing period will be from Dec. 19-21, according to Ormond.
