Clackamas County Commissioner Jim Bernard is on track to oust incumbent John Ludlow as the county's chief executive.
Bernard had 54 percent of the vote, compared to Ludlow's 46 percent, according to partial returns. The two faced off at a time when Clackamas County, like much of the Portland metro area, has been grappling with growth.
During his campaign, Ludlow said he would like to see Clackamas County be more open to development on some of its rural areas.
Bernard, meanwhile, was more cautious, and said the county should have a better working relationship with the regional governing body, Metro, when it comes to expanding development on farmland.
Another Clackamas County race also had a conservative incumbent trailing in a reelection race. Commissioner Tootie Smith had 48 percent of the vote to challenger Ken Humberston.