SUNBURY -- Incumbent Northumberland County Prothonotary Kathleen Strausser defeated Democratic challenger Patricia Holdren Tuesday to hold on to the seat for another four years.

Strausser, a Republican, was re-elected with 57 percent of the vote.

The final unoffical tally was 7,406 to 5,488.

"I did as much as I could," Holdren said, conceding defeat. "I'm a new face, and I've never run for office before. I'm just glad I didn't get stomped."

Celebrating victory in Sunbury on Tuesday night, Strausser attributed her win to the experience she's gained working in the prothonotary's office and overseeing the criminal, civil and court costs divisions for nearly 20 years.

"I think (voters) wanted someone with experience who has their best interest in mind," the Elysburg resident said.

Although there has been a lot of talk about county departments spending beyond their means and plunging the county into a deficit, Strausser said her office is not among them. This year, the prothonotary's office has collected more than $1 million.

Strausser was deputy prothonotary for 15 years before being elected in 2007 to fill the unexpired term following the death of her predecessor, Suzanne Vastine Smith.

Holdren, a Coal Township notary, said that while she would have preferred to have won the race, she was pleased that she held her own against Strausser at the polls.

"People are very happy with Kathleen, and I wish her well," she said.

The defeat hasn't dampened her enthusiasm for politics, and Holdren said she'll likely seek public office again.

"It was a very enlightening experience," she said. "I met a lot of wonderful people and learned a lot about politics."