The Hamilton County Commission will have six Republicans and three Democratics following Thursday's election.
Incumbent Curtis Adams, who earlier switched from Democrat to Republican, sweated it out through the night. Challenger John Bailes had a lead that reached a couple hundred votes as returns came in.
But with just a handful of precincts out, the Bailes lead was down to 30 votes.
Commissioner Adams got a late surge to win 2,792 to 2,555.
Other Republicans are Fred Skillern, Bill Hullander, Richard Casavant, Larry Henry and newly elected Jim Coppinger, the former city fire chief who takes the place of Charlotte Vandergriff.
Commissioner Casavant of Signal Mountain held off a challenge from independent Joe Dumas, who stressed the Casavant vote for a tax increase.
Democrats are Warren Mackey, Greg Beck and newly elected John Brooks.
Commissioner Mackey defeated Republican Brian Caldwell, while Commissioner Beck held off Rev. Bernie Miller.
Stuart James, chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said the Bailes-Adams contest was "a tight race. John Bailes came very close, but the people spoke."
Mr. James said, "I am pleased by the size of the victory by Greg Beck over Bernie Miller. It shows his qualifications for the office."