GOSHEN – Democratic Orange County Legislature candidate Stephen Hunter Jr. has defeated veteran Republican lawmaker Leigh Benton following a several days-long hand recount of the ballots. Benton had served on the legislature for 28 years.

The 16 th District represents most of the Town of Newburgh.

Hunter was ahead of Benton by 18 votes, which prompted the hand count that began late last week.

When it was completed late Wednesday, Hunter had one by 14 votes. During the recount, Hunter lost three votes and Benton picked up one.

Benton’s loss does not mean his public service career is over. The county legislature last week named him to the board of the county Industrial Development Agency.

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