(KNZA)--Members of the 1st District Brown County Republican precinct committee during a convention Sunday evening, held at the Carwell Building in Hiawatha, selected a new county commissioner.

Richard Tesoriero was elected on a 6-4 secret ballot vote from among two nominees to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Richard Lehmkuhl.

The other nominee was Dennis Pyle.

Twenty-one county GOP precinct committee members were present at the convention, with ten eligible to vote.

Each nominee was given an opportunity to speak. Both talked about their background and why they believed they were the best candidate to fill the vacancy. They then took questions from those present at the convention.

Tesoriero felt his experience in running businesses and Pyle his experience serving in the Kansas Legislature would make them a good commissioner.

Tesoriero's name will now be forwarded to Governor Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

He will fill a term expiring in January 2027. The position will be up for election in November 2026.