MARTINS FERRY — U.S. Rep Bill Johnson again defeated Democrat challenger Shawna Roberts to retain his seat representing Ohio’s 6th Congressional District.

According to unofficial totals from Tuesday’s general election, Johnson received 237,382 votes while Roberts garnered 81,562 votes.

Johnson, 65, of Marietta was first elected to the House in 2010. He and his wife, LeeAnn, have four children together. They also have six grandchildren.

Johnson retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years of service; he was a lieutenant colonel at the time.

Johnson on Tuesday night said he wanted to thank the people of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio “for once again choosing me to represent them in Congress.”

“Traveling across thIs vast district over the past several months, I’ve heard from the hardworking men and women about the issues important to them. That’s why, when I return to Washington, D.C., I’ll continue to fight for American energy independence, rural broadband expansion, and economic recovery due to COVID-19. For me, the work has just begun,” he said.

Johnson celebrated with supporters in Marietta on Tuesday night.

Roberts, a Belmont resident, lost her first bid to win the seat held by Johnson back in November 2018. Tuesday was her second time running for a political office. She has touted herself as a “working class mom” who wants to “take Congress back for the people,” according to her Facebook page.

Roberts, a native of Chicago, moved to Belmont County in 2002. Prior to working as a stay-at-home mother, she and her husband ran a beekeeping business. Prior to that, she worked as an insurance company clerk, technical writer and in fast food.

Roberts could not be reached for comment late Tuesday. However, in a recent social media post she talked about not being able to campaign like she originally intended to.

“I apologize that responsibilities with my family have led to an inactive campaign this year. You deserve better,” she wrote via Twitter.

Roberts also added that her home’s water well had accidentally been damaged, leaving her family without running water. She noted that her husband, who is currently out of work, is trying to fix it.