Democrat Mary Popovich, West Newton’s mayor, held off a challenge Tuesday from a political newcomer to win a fifth term in office.

Popovich, 71, defeated Republican Robert Kepics, who was making his first run for public office.

With all precincts reporting, Popovich received more than 61% of the vote. Kepics received about 38%, according to unofficial results.

Popovich owns and operates Popovich Training Services, where she provides emergency medical training to those in the coal mining industry. She also volunteers with the Collinsburg Fire Company and Rostraver-West Newton Emergency Services.

She previously worked in the coal industry until an accident ended that career and led her back to school to seek a master’s degree. She then taught for 17 years in the health sciences department at what is now PennWest California University.

Her challenger, Kepics, has been a West Newton resident for the last 11 years, serves as president of the Yough Soccer Association and has a decade of experience working in banking.

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