VENANGO COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) — Incumbent Christina Rugh breezed by challenger Jessica Ewing-Falco to secure the Republican nomination for Venango County Coroner in Tuesday’s primary election.

Unofficial results show that Rugh picked up 2,943 votes (76.60%) while Ewing-Falco tallied 898 (23.37%).

One write-in vote was cast for the Republican nomination.

No candidates were listed on the ballot on the democratic side; however, Rugh or another candidate could get the nod as 327 write-in votes were cast.

Rugh has 17 years experience with death investigations and has been with the Venango County Coroner’s office for more than 11 years.

She is active on the Drug Overdose Task Force; Suicide Prevention Task Force; Multi-Disciplinary Team; and Co-Chair for the Child Death Review Board.

Rugh has a B.S. in Forensic Anthropology from Mercyhurst University; attended the Medicolegal Death Investigation Training Program at the New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s Office; and has maintained continuing education required for coroners.

“I don’t do it for the paycheck or the benefits, and I don’t view it as a job,” Rugh said. “I am there for the people who need me, and I offer help to the family members.”

Ewing-Falco, is a Navy veteran where she was assigned to the Mortuary Affairs Department and worked in Decedent Affairs. She handled military active duty deaths in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Election officials are expected to release official voting results by early next week.