DARKE COUNTY — Republican David J. Coons won a four-year term as Darke County commissioner Tuesday, defeating independent Eddie Anjos and pledging to pursue economic opportunities while preserving the county’s appeal as a place to live, work and raise a family.
Coons received 14,970 votes, or 76.3%, to Anjos’ 4,648 votes, or 23.7%, according to the Darke County Board of Elections’ final unofficial report for the Nov. 3 general election. The margin was 10,322 votes.
“I’m really excited to get started,” Coons said. “I’m super thankful for all the support from everybody across the county, the Republican Party, my family.”
Coons offered special thanks to his wife, describing the campaign as a stressful period for their household and saying he appreciated her support throughout the process.
He said meeting residents and hearing their concerns were valuable parts of the campaign. During his post-election interview, Coons said he was headed to an 8 a.m. meeting with a small business on a farm, continuing his efforts to learn how his experience could benefit the county.
Asked what he hoped to accomplish as commissioner, Coons pointed to the priorities he emphasized during his campaign.
“I want to keep Darke County the great place that it is,” he said, describing it as a “great place to live and work and raise a family.”
He said he also wanted to make the county better through business development and economic opportunities.
Anjos, reflecting on six months of campaigning, said conversations with residents deepened his understanding of the community and reinforced the importance of listening.
“This campaign taught me that there is no substitution for showing up and listening,” Anjos said in a statement. “Over the past six months, I traveled throughout Darke County, answered questions, and heard directly from residents about their hopes and concerns.”
Even after living in the county for years, Anjos said, he learned something new from those conversations every day.
“I also learned that trust has to be earned, one conversation at a time,” he said.
Anjos described running as an independent as challenging but said he appreciated residents who looked beyond party affiliation and took time to hear his views, including those who disagreed with him.
He encouraged future candidates to be themselves, prepare thoroughly, and listen as much as they speak.
“You have to be willing to answer difficult questions and learn from the people you hope to serve,” he said.
Anjos thanked his husband, Matt; his brother, Craig; volunteers; and supporters.
“My desire to serve this community extends beyond an election,” he said. “I came away with new friendships, a deeper understanding of Darke County, and an even greater appreciation for the people who call it home.”
