The Klamath County clerk website says a commissioner position can be won in the primary election if a candidate receives 50 percent, plus one, of the votes.

According to Klamath County Chief Deputy Clerk Paula Harris, if Boyd’s tally holds or increases, he will win the seat.

“I’m pretty excited. I think things look really, really good,” Boyd said.

Mallams said he was disappointed, but not surprised by the tally.

“I ran a hard race, and the people have spoken,” Mallams said.

Mallams noted that vote results may change, and if Boyd doesn’t secure more than 50 percent of the vote, the two could face off in the November election.

“I’m always an optimist,” Mallams said.

The Herald and News previously reported that Boyd, 52, is a local businessman who grew up in Klamath County.

“I think Klamath Falls needs to be a better place — the way I remember it as a kid,” Boyd said.

“I’m all about economic development, and I really want to bring new business into Klamath Falls,” Boyd said. “I think we need to help our image in the state. I think Klamath County has a very poor image in the state of Oregon, and we need to solve that.”

He is the manager for a local Papé Machinery rental division. Boyd said it’s too early to know if he wins the seat how it will impact, if at all, his Papé business.

“We’re going to have to wait and see how that works out,” Boyd said. “The Papé family is behind me 100 percent.”

The Herald and News previously reported that Mallams, 68, is a Beatty-area cattle rancher. He graduated from Medford High School and attended classes at Southern Oregon University. Mallams has been active in local water issues. He was the subject of an unsuccessful recall petition last year.