A longtime judge-executive has triumphed over a new challenger to the political area in a battle for the 58th District House seat.

Shelby County Judge-Executive Rob Rothenburger, who has led Shelby County’s fiscal court since 2002, came out on top over Cyndi Powell Skellie, 12,257 votes, 61.34 percent, over Skellie’s 7,894 (38.66 percent).

Rothenburger will fill the seat vacated by Brad Montell (R-Shelbyville).

He expressed excitement after the election results came in Tuesday night.

“We are just down here at Defino’s in Shelbyville – the Republican Party – and we’re just watching the results come in,” he said. “We are just thrilled that the people of Shelby County have, number one, have given me the opportunity to be county judge for fourteen years, and now, they have allowed me – and I humbly accept – to be their state representative in Frankfort. It’s a great county, it’s a great community and a great state, and I’m extremely honored to serve as their state representative.”

Rothenburger has a background in emergency management, and is a former Shelbyville Fire Chief and current captain on the Bagdad Fire Department.

Skellie is a Shelby County History teacher.

The two squared off recently in a candidate’s forum at the Stratton Community Center, with Rothenburger citing his expertise in a myriad of areas, including emergency services, as well as fiscal management and administration, and Skellie emphasizing her expertise in matters connected with education, stating that she wanted to run for the office to be a voice for students.