By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Republican Jean Clifford narrowly defeated Kelly Ancar in Tuesday's primary election for Kansas State Board of Education District 5, according to unofficial election results.
Clifford received 19,012 votes, or 51% of the vote, while Ancar finished with 18,240 votes, or 49%. Fewer than 800 votes separated the two candidates in the closely contested race. With the two biggest counties, Ancar defeated Clifford in Ellis County but lost Finney County to Clifford.
The results remain unofficial until the Kansas Secretary of State certifies the election results on Friday.
In a statement to the Hays Post following the election, Clifford said she was grateful for the support she received throughout the campaign.
"I am grateful for the unofficial results from yesterday's Republican primary and honored by the confidence the voters of District 5 have placed in me," Clifford said. "I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, volunteers, and the many supporters across District 5 who worked so hard throughout this campaign."
Clifford said that once the results are officially certified, she plans to shift her focus toward the November general election.
"Once the results are officially certified, I look forward to earning the support of all voters as we move toward the November general election," Clifford said.
Clifford also said her priorities include putting students first, supporting parents and teachers, strengthening reading and mathematics achievement, and working with communities across western and north-central Kansas to help ensure every Kansas student has the opportunity to succeed.
She also thanked voters for participating in the election.
"Regardless of the final certified results, I am grateful for the opportunity to have met so many outstanding people throughout District 5 and to continue serving the people of Kansas," Clifford said.