MOUNT VERNON — The recount of the 18th Congressional District confirms Bob Gibbs will take on Democratic incumbent Zack Space in the November election.

“This is very disappointing,” said Fred Dailey, who lost to Gibbs by a total of 156 votes. “I thought we had this.”

After the recount, Dailey’s vote stayed the same after Muskingum County saw one less vote for Dailey and Belmont County added one.

A mandatory recount was ordered because there was 1/2 to 1 percent margin of victory after the primary results were certified by the 16 counties included in the 18th District.

A 5 percent recount directive was issued from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. According to Kim Horn, director of the Knox County Board of Elections, each county was required to recount 5 percent of the votes from that particular race.

samantha.scoles@mountvernonnews.com