The field for two open county commissioner seats has narrowed slightly.

Longtime Commissioner Ray Tucker will now face retired Polly Glynn in November in District 2 after what was essentially a dead heat with Tucker winning by two votes, 290-288. Bryan Young was eliminated from the race with 93 votes.

“See, one vote does count,” Glynn said, who added she wasn’t surprised the race was close.

Incumbent Tim Gabrielson ran away with the District 1 primary, receiving just under 70 percent of the vote — 387 votes. Second-place finisher Paul Fischer will run against Gabrielson in November, after finishing with 110 votes — 20 percent. James Williams was eliminated from contention with 67 votes.

Tucker, who is serving his 16th year as commissioner, admitted the primary was one of the closest he’s been in, and he said this race could require a little extra campaigning.

“I realize that she would be good competition,” Tucker said of Glynn.

Glynn is the former president of First State Bank of Minnesota in LeRoy and served on the Grand Meadow School Board for 15 years. She has known Tucker for many years, but said she’s not running because of a personal beef.

“I know that I’ve got my work cut out for me, and I’m certainly up to that challenge,” she said.

A woman hasn’t been on the board for more than 20 years. The last woman to serve was Mary Keenan from 1983 to 1990.

The county board has been predominantly male for many years, and Glynn said she’s excited to potentially bring a woman’s perspective.

“I’m just excited for the prospect of November, and the possibility of a woman possibly winning,” she said.

Tucker said he’s looking forward to the debates to see how his and Glynn’s opinions compare.

He said finances will likely be the big campaign issue in all races come November, as voters are looking for fiscal responsibility.

“These taxes are getting out of hand and these people are looking for some relief,” he said.

Glynn said she’s trying to stay open minded going into the November election and learn more about the role of county commissioner.

Paul Fischer said he’s happy to move ahead, and he said taxes could be a key issue moving forward.

Fischer’s first order of business will be going door-to-door and meeting with taxpayers, and he said many people have already talked about taxes.

While many of the projects are done, Fischer said he’d likely not be one to support big building projects in the future.

“In the future, let’s stand up and say no to some of these projects,” he said.

Tim Gabrielson could not be reached for comment.

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