Democratic incumbents Tom Balya and Thomas C. Ceraso won new terms as Westmoreland County commissioners while Republican Kim Ward posted a strong showing to become the new minority member of the board.

Unofficial returns in the highly contentious race showed Mr. Balya, 49, of Greensburg, nipping Ms. Ward to capture the most votes in winning his fourth consecutive term. Mr. Ceraso, 43, of New Kensington placed third behind them in capturing his third consecutive term.

Ms. Ward, 50, is no stranger to politics as she is the chairwoman of the Hempfield supervisors and former county Republican Party chairwoman. Her finish was all the more impressive given the heavy Democratic registration edge in Westmoreland County.

Her fellow Republican, George Dunbar, 46, a Penn Township commissioner, trailed the field in the race for the three four-year terms.

Incumbent Republican Commissioner Phil Light, 62, of Laurel Mountain, chose not to run. He was appointed in October 2004 to the unexpired term of Republican Terry Marolt, who died in office.

In the extremely bitter race, the Republicans focused on taxes and county finances while the incumbent Democrats touted efficient county government operations.

In the primary election, the Westmoreland County Republican Committee broke from tradition and voted to endorse primary election candidates, giving the nods to Ms. Ward and Mr. Dunbar. The endorsements were seen as an indication the party would be aggressive in the general election to try to capture the majority on the board, which they haven't accomplished since 1956.

In unofficial results from other races yesterday, all Democratic incumbent row officeholders easily won new terms.

Treasurer Kathalyn O'Brien, 71, of Hempfield defeated challenger Republican Frank E. Schiefer, 26, of Hempfield; Recorder of Deeds Tom Murphy, 43, of Arnold was victorious over Republican challenger Patrick D. Laughlin, 64, of Greensburg; and Register of Wills Earl S. Keim II, 57, of Youngwood bested Republican Wayne Doptis of Monessen.

In other countywide races, Controller Carmen Pedicone, 58, of Jeannette, and Sheriff Chris Scherer, 42, of Lower Burrell, who were unopposed on the Democratic primary ballot in May, faced no Republican opposition yesterday.

Common Pleas Court Judge Rita D. Hathaway and Judge William J. Ober won retention for new 10-year terms on the bench.