More than 125 people attended the First Presbyterian Church’s Election Day Luncheon Tuesday afternoon in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Marietta voters unseated two incumbents on City Council, according to final, unofficial election results Tuesday from the Washington County Board of Elections.

In the 1st Ward, challenger Jeffrey Schultheis defeated incumbent Councilman Mike Scales, earning 212 votes to Scales’ 172. Both candidates ran as independents.

“People in the 1st Ward wanted a change. They have a change,” Scales said. “I wish everybody good luck. … I’m not depressed or upset about it.”

In the 4th Ward, Republican challenger Ronald Wesel won against incumbent Democrat Erin O’Neill with 321 votes to O’Neill’s 286.

Wesel said his campaign focused heavily on direct voter outreach.

“I think I knocked on over 400 doors and probably talked to over 200 people,” he said. “There’s a lot of work that needs to get done in the 4th Ward … the real work’s going to start here in January.”

He said infrastructure, city streets and sewer work are among his top priorities. Wesel also credited his wife, Charmel Wesel, for managing social media and campaign support behind the scenes.

O’Neill thanked supporters and said she was proud of her service and campaign.

“I just am overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who helped me with this campaign, because campaigning is really hard,” O’Neill said. “I feel like I’ve made a difference. … I feel good about the work that I’ve done and the campaign that I ran.”

She wished Wesel well and emphasized the responsibilities of the office.

“It’s not as easy of a job as some people might think it is,” she said. “You need to be able to work with people on both sides of the aisle. You need to do your research. You need to come prepared.”

In the other contested race, Democratic candidate Katie McGlynn won the 2nd Ward seat with 302 votes, defeating Republican Janet Bond, who received 131 votes. Councilman Bret Allphin did not seek a new term.

Three at-large council members — Ben Rutherford, Harley Noland and Jon Grimm — ran unopposed and will retain their seats. Council President Susan Vessels also ran unopposed, as did 3rd Ward Councilman Bill Gossett and Treasurer Cathy Harper.

Tuesday’s unofficial results will need to be canvassed and certified by the Washington County Board of Elections on Nov. 12 before becoming official.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com