According to unofficial vote totals, Howard received 3,152 votes and Madden received 1,436 votes.

Madden, a Democrat, was appointed by the Marshall County Commission to take over from retiring County Clerk Jan Pest at the start of 2022, and has worked in the clerk’s office for 27 years in total.

Howard, a Republican, has been an employee at the Marshall County Courthouse for 30 years, the first 12 as a deputy assessor under Chris Kessler, and then the remaining 18 in the clerk’s office, mostly under the direction of Pest.

On her social media page, Howard thanked voters for their support leading up to the election.

“Today marks the end to 11 months of campaigning for Marshall County Clerk. I would like to thank you all for your support and your consideration,” she wrote.

“I enjoyed meeting so many people of this great county along the way. I was humbled to take a small part in many wonderful events and fundraisers that made big impacts for families, our youth and amazing organizations.

“I am very proud of Marshall County. I have enjoyed serving and working for you for 30 years at the Marshall County Courthouse.”

Howard is a lifelong resident of Marshall County. She and her husband, Alan, of 40 years have three sons together. Neither Madden nor Howard could be reached for comment late Tuesday.