Massillon election results: Herncane, Lewis, Ray, Richard, Paquelet, Ferrero among winners

MASSILLON – City electors had their say on Tuesday, giving the nod to Democrat and Republican candidates who now advance their bids for public office.

More than a dozen city hopefuls were on Tuesday's primary ballot. All incumbents held their ground, while some challengers also nudged their way to the next round of voting – the Nov. 7 general election.

Primary preview: 4 Massillon Dems, 4 GOP hopefuls take aim for at-large City Council seats

Dueling Dems: Richard, Carbone battle for Massillon law director post in May primary

Incumbent Law Director Justin Richard nabbed a 27-vote primary victory against Democrat opponent Antonia Carbone, which came in at 51% to 49%. The vote total was 791 for Richard, while Carbone received 764, according to unofficial results posted by the Stark County Board of Elections.

"It was a good night, and a close race that was toughly fought on both sides," said Richard shortly after the final vote count was publicized. "I'll go into work tomorrow and will try to do better for Massillon."

Richard is in line for a four-year term starting in 2024, as he faces no Republican or independent opposition in the November general election.

Richard, 45, has served as law director since 2020, after being appointed to fill the vacancy when former Law Director Andrea Scassa was tapped for a city magistrate position.

The GOP Massillon Clerk of Court race had John Paquelet pitted against Steven Tharp Jr. Paquelet was the clear winner, garnering 5,053 votes, or 71%, to Tharp's 2,046 tallies, or 29%.

"I'm grateful for the voters giving me a chance to run in the fall election," said Paquelet, who serves as president of the Massillon City Schools Board of Education. "It's time to go represent western Stark County."

Tharp was gracious in defeat.

"I want to congratulate John Paquelet on his big win," Tharp said in statement. "He will be a strong leader for western Stark County, and I look forward to supporting him in November."

Paquelet is set to face longtime Democrat Clerk of Court Johnnie Maier Jr. in the general election.

Former Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrero finished ahead of city Treasurer Linda Litman in the Democrat primary for Massillon auditor.

Ferrero came in with 973 votes, or 62%, to Litman's 607 votes for 38%. He will face Republican John Snee in the fall election.

Massillon City Council at-large, Ward 2 race results

Earning primary victories Tuesday night were incumbent City Councilmen Ted Herncane, D-at large, and Ed Lewis IV, R-at large.

Democrat challengers Holly Bryan-Huth and Robert Williams were also at-large victors. Herncane led the way in a four-candidate race with 1,064 votes.

"I want to thank the people of Massillon for their continued support," Hercane said Tuesday night via a text message to The Independent. "I look forward to continuing my work on City Council."

On the GOP side, at-large hopefuls Sarita Cunningham and Jason Hout were also winners, joining Lewis, who finished ahead of the pack of four with 920 votes.

"Thank you to those who have supported me," Lewis said Wednesday morning. "I look forward to getting out and seeing everyone (during the next campaign) this summer."

All top three, at-large finishers from both parties move on to the November general election.

Aaron Spencer, a Democrat, and Republican James Haavisto, were the fourth place finishers in the council at-large races.

In a contested Ward 2 City Council race, Democrat Eric Ray finished ahead of Jack L. Moore. Ray picked up 115 votes, or 52%, to Moore's 105 tallies, which was good for 48%.

"It was a little stressful there for awhile, but we hit our goal," Ray said. "We've got six more months to pump (the voting numbers) back up."

Ray moves on to face incumbent Republican Councilman Aaron Violand in November.

"I'm truly in awe and want to give God all the glory," Ray said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon City Council Tuesday primary election contested races