STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) — The only contested primary race for judge in Mahoning County was between two candidates running for the Democratic nomination to serve in Struthers Municipal Court.

Mahoning County Magistrate James Melone won the nomination against first-term incumbent Judge Dominic Leone for the Democratic nomination.

According to unofficial returns, 57% of voters cast their ballots in favor of Melone.

Melone has served as a magistrate for the last six years and spent 19 years in private practice before that.

“I think it’s important to continue to campaign, to get people interested in the race and realize that it’s important that they use their voice at the ballot box,” Melone said.

Melone said he made the court the main focus of his campaign and avoided personal politics.

“I told myself from Day 1, this race was not about somebody else. This was about going out , meeting the voters and telling them why I thought I was right for the position,” Melone said.

Melone will face Republican Jennifer Ciccone in the November election.

You can see the full results on WKBN.com.