Republican incumbent John Arnold had to wait until Wednesday at noon to learn if he would retain his position on the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

After election officials had finished counting absentee and affidavit ballots Wednesday, Arnold was declared the winner, earning another term on the board as District 1 Supervisor.

Arnold earned a narrow victory — just 54 votes — over challenger Edward Herring.

“It does concern me that there’s that many dissatisfied voters out there,” Arnold said. “Now, I know District 1 has a history of that. I won by about the same number [last election] that I won this time by.”

The decision was pushed to Wednesday after the margin of votes Tuesday night made the race too close to call, forcing the decision upon the absentee and affidavit ballots.

Unofficial results had Arnold with 1,389 votes to Herring’s 1,335 votes.

“I’m well pleased with what they did with the vote count this year,” Arnold said.

Arnold said this was his third tight election and only time will tell if he comes back for a fourth round.

Herring thought election officials did a great job getting the votes to the candidates as soon as they could after a long night.

“I definitely appreciate their dedication,” Herring said.

He hopes Arnold continues to try to do his best and listens to the people.

Arnold wanted to thank his supporters, and said he is looking forward to working on getting more gravel roads in District 1 paved.

“My goal is to make our community better,” Arnold said. “I know there is a lot of issues with gravel roads.”

Arnold commended Herring for doing a good job getting his name out to the public and for running a good, clean race.

The support Herring received was unbelievable to him, and he said he has gotten multiple consolation messages online. But Herring does not see the loss as a defeat.

“Lot of hard work, lot of doors knocked on, lot of wonderful, wonderful people I have met and hope to stay friends with or at least acquaintances with forever,” Herring said.

Now, he said, he could use his energy on whatever comes next. As for if he would ever run again, he said he would wait and see “what comes between now and the next three years.”

The results remain unofficial until all the votes can be certified, which was expected to be completed Wednesday.