Jamie Benoit will be back for a second term after handily beating Republican challenger Charlotte Weinstein for the District 4 County Council seat.

With almost 91 percent of precincts reporting, Benoit leads Weinstein by roughly 4,500 votes. The incumbent sits at 14,231 votes, while Weinstein lags far behind at 9,545 votes.

Although the race wasn't close in the end, Benoit said he campaigned hard for the victory and never took his position for granted.

"I thought it would be a close race," said Benoit. "I worked harder this time then I did four years ago and my opponent ran a good race."

Benoit said he's proud of being a "non-partisan and pragmatic voice" on the council, and will continue to do so for another four years.

"I try to check my partisanship at the door," said Benoit.

While he continued to campaign until the very end, the Benoit said he felt optimistic about the race as election day edged closer.

"I've sensed it for the last couple months that I was in a good position, but it wasn't because I was polling or anything, I was out visiting with people and knocking on doors," said Benoit.

Even though there will be five new faces on the council, Benoit said he looks forward to the change, and doesn't see it being a detriment to getting things done.

"It's exciting and will be a huge change," said Benoit. "If the new members are willing to jump in and roll their sleeves up and do the work, I don't have any reason to believe it won't be as productive as our previous term."

The councilman wasn't ready to celebrate until the votes started stacking up in his favor.

"You're nervous until the very end," said Benoit. "When your name's on the ballot, you fight until the very end."

Meanwhile,there was little drama involving the races to represent Odenton and Gambrills in the Maryland legislature. 

The Democrats maintain their reign in District 21 as Sen. Jim Rosapepe kept his seat while delegates Ben Barnes, Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Barbara Frush all remained in office. 

In District 32,Democratic incumbent Sen. Ed DeGrange beat out Republican Larry Barber. Democratic delegates Pam Beidle, Mary Ann Love and Theodore Sophocleus were also re-elected, though Republicans Stephanie Hodges and Wayne Smith had strong support. 

In District 33A, Republican Sen. Ed Reilly ran unopposed and will remain in office. Incumbent Republicans Tony McConkey and Cathy Vitale each beat out Democrat Madonna Brennan for seats in the house. 

Tim Lemke contributed to this story.