On the Democratic ticket, political newcomer Rich Helton overwhelmingly defeated Russell Papenberg. Hampson received 515 votes, or 31 percent, in a close battle with runner-up Jerry "Junior" Myers, who had 460 votes, according to unofficial returns. Helton compiled 478 votes, or 77 percent, compared to Papenberg's 145. The Northern District commissioner seat will be decided between Hampson and Helton in the Nov. 4 general election. "Every vote is going to count," Hampson said. "It's going to start all over again. Mr. Helton is a great man, a good campaigner. It will be really difficult to win this." Helton added: "I am very humbled by the election. I am just real excited, a little tired, (but) we worked hard. I am looking forward to November. We will see what happens." Hampson, a Warrenton resident, spent much of the evening unsure of where he would wind up in the final outcome. He trailed Myers by six votes with the final two precincts still to be tabulated. Hampson wound up beating Myers in Hickory-Grove (84-35) and Wright City Ward 2 (22-10). "It's been a roller coaster ride from the get-go," said Hampson, who had the most votes in the Lakeview, Warrenton Ward 3 and Hickory-Grove precincts. "I came in from behind. The last three weeks I was way down. "I think getting out and meeting people and telling them the truth and speaking from my heart, I think (voters) liked that." While disappointed with the outcome, Myers expected a tight race. He had the most votes in three precincts - North Elkhorn, Weeks and Pendleton. Myers also won the absentee total. "You start to second guess where we could have picked up 56 more votes," he said. As for Helton, a Wright City resident, he won nine of the 10 precincts, but understands more work has to be done over the next three months in preparation for the general election. "We need to keep doing what we're doing," he said. "We need to knock on doors and meet people and introduce ourselves to as many voters as we can. Dan is a great guy. He's going to be a very worthy opponent for sure." Republican Thomas C. Massman Sr. had the third-highest total with 409 votes. Logan followed with 186 votes, ahead of Rosella Baller's 93. Massman tied Hampson for second-most precincts won, claiming the most votes in Wright City Wards 1 and 2 and Warrenton Ward 2. It was a tough night for Logan, who will continue in office until the end of the year. Reached by phone after the final results were released, Logan declined comment. The new commissioner will be sworn in Jan. 2.