CHENANGO COUNTY – Although Tuesday’s Republican Primary weighed heavily in favor of incumbents on village and town boards throughout the county, the election also earned some political newcomers rights to appear on the Republican line during the general election in November, signalling what could potentially be a reconfiguration of local leadership next year.

In the City of Norwich, Ward Four Alderman Walter Schermerhorn maintained favor among Republican voters, winning the election over challenger Linda Kays Biviano with 58 percent of a total 43 votes.

In a statement submitted to The Evening Sun congratulating Schermerhorn on his victory, Biviano said, “I appreciate the voters that took their time to come out and vote the Republican Primary. I congratulate Walt Schermerhorn for his successful win. My campaign is far from over. I will continue to reach out to all my neighbors on the Independent platform and ‘be informed,’ which I truly believe we all want and need.”

In the city’s sixth ward, where incumbent Daniel Palmer officially announced he will not seek re-election – though his name did appear on the primary ballot – challenger Thomas LoPiccolo gained 76 percent of the ward’s 34-voter turnout.

In the Town of Oxford, where two seats on the town council will be up for grabs in November, incumbent Councilman John Hofmann will remain on the Republican line this November after taking a majority 37 percent of Tuesday’s vote. Hofmann will be joined on the Republican line by newcomer Ronald Charles, who gained 32 percent the vote and a narrow victory over Paul Brennan at 29 percent.

A total 394 voters cast their ballot in the highly contested primary in the Town of Oxford. The township showed the highest voter turnout in Chenango County.

Incumbent Town of Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler did not keep his spot on the Republican line after he was defeated by opponent Roger Connelly. Connelly garnered 64 percent the vote in Smithville where 143 votes were counted.