HOPKINTON — Selectman John Coutinho will return to the board after defeating his Democratic challenger by 20 votes in Monday's election, but other Republican candidates weren't as lucky.

Voters ousted 10-year Planning Board member Ken Weismantel, who came in fourth for two open, five-year seats on the board. Hopkinton holds partisan town elections.

After an active town caucus, the Democrats defeated the two Republican candidates for the two, five-year Planning Board seats. Another Democrat, Irfan Nasrullah, defeated Al Rogers for a one-year seat on the board, 1,253 to 945 votes.

Amy Ritterbusch came in first for the five-year Planning Board seat with 1,364 votes, and Muriel Kramer came in second with 1,148. Kramer got on the ballot through the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee's caucus.

Republican Gary Trendel received 1,032 votes and Weismantel 925.

When reached by phone, Weismantel said he's not sure why the Democrats swept. He hoped to continue working on the Legacy Farms mixed-use housing development off of Rte. 135.

"I am still trying to figure that out. It might be national politics," he said. "I think people are a little afraid of growth, but I don't think people realize how good they have it in Hopkinton."

Throughout the day, College Street resident Amy Groves rotated holding signs for the Democratic candidates, including Kramer.

"I think it is really good timing," Groves said. "(Kramer) has tons of experience and knowledge of the the people of town and the workings of the town."

Kramer was not available at the polls when the results were read aloud by Town Clerk Connor Degan.

In all, 2,399 ballots were cast of the town's 11,696 registered voters — 20.5 percent, according to the town clerk's office. Degan said he's already heard requests for a recount.

Coutinho won re-election, receiving 1,236 votes over Amman Haidri's 1,216 for the one open seat on the Board of Selectmen.

"It is definitely closer than I expected," Coutinho said. "I'm just glad that people came out. That is the one thing about these elections is getting your vote out. I'm glad I got my votes out."

He acknowledged the surging of the Democratic opposition.

"It just means working harder next time," he said.

Selectman Claire Wright stood by Countinho in holding signs most of the day for him.

"John has just worked so long and so hard for the town," Wright said. "He is the type of guy who would take the shirt off his back. On the board he listens to both sides and he always tries to do what is in the best interest of the town."

Haidri congratulated Coutinho.

"I am overwhelmed by the support I got in such a short amount of time," he said. "This is beyond my expectations, but this is just the starting point for me. Going forward it is going to put me on track."

College Street resident Mary Jo Ondrechen held a sign for Haidri before the polls closed.

"We need a new face on the Board of Selectmen," Ondrechen said. "I am also very angry at the town leaders who supported Donald Trump. Amman will listen to the people and believes in smart development and not handing the developers a blank check."

Ellen Rutter, who has worked as Ritterbusch's campaign manager, said her candidate brings fresh perspective.

"I really like the way Amy approaches issues with an open mind," Rutter said. "She does a lot of research before she takes a position."

Victory Lane resident Craig Hurlbut supported Weismantel. The town has grown and Weismantel has a good grasp of the issues, Hurlbut said.

"I think he is a concerned citizen who likes to get involved in local government and is good at it," he said.

Whalen Road resident Don Keavany said Trendel is the most experienced Planning Board candidate with his education in engineering and business experience.

"Gary is going to bring new ideas to planning," Keavany said. "He is going to bring a proactive approach, which this town needs."

Rutter, speaking on behalf of the Democratic Town Committee, said the national election definitely spiked interest in local politics.

"We are really excited about the energy and engagement we are seeing with the HDTC," she said. "Folks who have been involved for years are stepping up to help govern our community and there's been a surge of interest from newcomers who want to make a difference. We are happy for and proud of the candidates who won today and appreciate the engage of those who ran and didn't win."

Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 508-626-4338 or jphelps@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPhelps_MW.