Challenger Barbara Baier and incumbent Bernie Heier secured the most votes in their respective races for seats on the Lancaster County Board, according to unofficial primary election results.

But the contest for the two open seats is a trial run. All four candidates will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

In District 2, representing the county’s northwestern corner, Democrat Baier captured 1,941 votes, to incumbent Republican Larry Hudkins’ 1,549.

In District 4, representing eastern portions of the county, Republican Heier won 4,011 votes. Democratic challenger Nancy Intermill captured 3,314 votes.

The candidates who will face each other in November appeared on separate ballots in Tuesday’s partisan primary. There are about 5,000 more Republicans than Democrats registered in Lancaster County.

Baier said she was pleased with the showing, saying it will offer some traction heading into the general election. She hopes to ramp up meetings with community groups in coming months and also plans to spend more time educating herself on the issues, she said.

Heier, who is seeking his third term on the board, said he will continue to campaign strong with the focus remaining on issues like the new jail and the budget.

County commissioners serve four-year terms. They oversee a budget of about $170 million, which accounts for about 13 percent of property tax collections.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com.