Jim Boff and Julie Tressler will take another shot at the Forsyth County Commission District 5 race in a runoff election Aug. 5.

In a four-person Republican contest, Boff claimed 44 percent of Tuesday's total, or 5,176 votes, to Tressler's 4,063 votes, or 35 percent.

The district, which includes Cumming and much of eastern Forsyth, is currently held by Linda Ledbetter, who did not seek re-election.

Walter Waddell came in third and Terry Sweeney was fourth. There are no Democratic or independent challengers for the post, so whoever prevails in the runoff will claim the commission seat.

Boff waited calmly at his home as the election results came in Tuesday night.

"We look forward to taking this to the only conclusion for the finish, which is Boff is the best one for Forsyth and the best one for (district) five," he said.

Tressler said she's up for the challenge.

"I feel great about it," she said. "I think that this was good and what I hoped for and I'm looking forward to the next three weeks."

Tressler also thanked her supporters.

"I'm going to work hard and see if we can get this done," she said.

According to their June 30 campaign disclosure reports, Boff has about $1,200 left in his campaign warchest, while Tressler's is empty.

Both candidates can continue to raise money for their extra weeks of politicking.

Both Waddell, who drew 1,448 votes, or 12 percent of the total, and Sweeney said they will throw their support behind Tressler.

Waddell declined to offer a reason for his decision, but Sweeney said his choice was "because of the unethical behavior of all the people backing certain candidates when they should have kept quiet."

Sweeney said he was unhappy that he received just 1,064 votes, or 9 percent.

"I campaigned very hard and as far as the way the count went down I'm really disappointed at the outcome," he said.

Boff, a 56-year-old retiree, has said he is best qualified for the seat because he has a homeowner's perspective, is a quick learner and has the time.

Tressler, 43, has touted her sales background and experience in conflict resolution and negotiating, as well as her desire to maintain the quality of life in Forsyth County as her qualifications for the post.