LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Eight votes separate the two candidates in the race for State House 117th District, which covers parts of Luzerne County from Harveys Lake to White Haven.
While the challenger is declaring victory, the incumbent says it's not over just yet.
It was a wave of emotions for the two candidates throughout the night on Election Day as the numbers rolled in and continued to change.
Now, that razor-thin margin between the candidates is keeping this race going, and it'll probably stay that way for at least several days.
In the race for the 117th State House seat, two Republican candidates are separated by just eight votes.
Challenger Jamie Walsh declared victory a few hours after the polls closed.
"I've never done this in my life. I did it on a shoestring budget. I came out on top, and I look forward to November," Walsh said Tuesday night.
Incumbent Rep. Mike Cabell is not ready to concede.
"We're not ready to concede yet. There's still ballots to be counted and we need to wait until every ballot is counted," Cabell said.
"We urge all parties and supporters to have faith in our electoral system," added Jason Holly, spokesperson for the Cabell for PA campaign, in a press release. " It is essential that we allow the dedicated election officials to do their jobs without interference. We are committed to ensuring that the election reflects the true will of the people."
This primary race is likely the decisive one. With no Democrats on the ballot, the winner of the primary is expected to take the seat after the general election this fall.
"I can't recollect a race this close," said Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo.
Those numbers were so close that throughout the night, Newswatch 16 had a hard time calling it.
Luzerne County says the numbers that come in fluctuate drastically because of the county's size
"We have 186 precincts, and the votes come in at different timetables, and we have to wait until votes from the southern parts of the county come up, and there are delays," Crocamo said.
Luzerne County says there are still outstanding ballots, including provisional and military ballots, that need to be counted.
A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when questions about the voter's eligibility arise. The Board of Elections must verify each one before it can be added.
"All of our Election Day ballots have been processed. All the mail-ins have been processed. We will be moving into any ballot with deficiencies and provisional ballots," said Emily Cook, acting Luzerne County election director.
With such a close race, Luzerne County officials say it can still go either way.
"That's why voting matters. It matters. One vote matters," Crocamo added.
Luzerne County election officials could not say how many outstanding ballots remain. The Board of Elections will begin to open them on Friday morning, which means we will not have an answer in this race for several days.
The county says it's also preparing for and expecting a recount to be called.