Democrats have gained control of the Vanderburgh County Commission.
Democrat Jeff Hatfield defeated Republican Mike Duckworth by just 221 votes out of more than 58,000 ballots cast.
Hatfield thanked his supporters and spoke to reporters at DiLegge’s Banquet Room…
"We always knew it was going to be a tough uphill climb. We worked every day all day literally. and never gave up, never stopped working hard."
Hatfield said one of the county’s top priorities is expanding the crowded jail...
"The first thing we have to do is sit down with the county council and work out an agreeable plan moving forward to expand the jail that will not increase people’s taxes."
Hatfield also said he’ll work to improve county roads…
"Constantly, we're looking for money in the budget to increase funding for roads. So, that's a non-stop thing."
Hatfield will join fellow Democrat Ben Shoulders and Republican Cheryl Musgrave on the county commission in January.
He’ll fill the seat vacated by Republican Bruce Ungethiem.
