A challenger and six-term incumbent faced off for the District 1 Martin County Commission seat

MARTIN COUNTY — Challenger Eileen Vargas defeated six-term incumbent Doug Smith Tuesday in a heated District 1 Republican County Commission primary. Now Vargas will face a write-in candidate in the Nov. 5 general election.

Growth was the most important issue to voters, Vargas said during her campaign, and she stressed how important it is for property owners to honor the rules and regulations in the county's Comprehensive Plan, which helps guide growth.

Vargas will face write-in candidate Kenneth DeAngeles in November, though DeAngeles's name will not be on the ballot.

WHAT HAPPENED: Challenger Eileen Vargas defeated six-term incumbent Doug Smith.

THE VOTE : Vargas, 12,090; Smith, 7,763, according to complete, but unofficial results from the Supervisor of Elections Office.

NEW TERM: Four years, beginning Nov. 19.

SALARY: $78,905

More: Candidates differ on the most important issue in Martin County Commission race

Editorial: TCPalm Editorial Board recommendations 2024: Martin County Commission seats | Our View

Keith Burbank is TCPalm's watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: A challenger and six-term incumbent faced off for the District 1 Martin County Commission seat