WILMINGTON — Incumbent Highway Superintendent Louis Adragna prevailed on Tuesday in one of only half a dozen contested primary elections in Essex County.

Adragna earned 49 out of 91 votes, with challenger Cameron Grady earning 35 votes. The third candidate in the Republican primary was Darren Lawrence, who earned seven votes.

Adragna has worked with the Wilmington highway department for more than 25 years, including 15 as deputy highway supervisor and six years as supervisor. He was first appointed by the town board following the retirement of highway superintendent Bill Skufca.

During his tenure, Adragna touts his use of cutting-edge equipment and new technology to make the department’s work more efficient. This includes the introduction of live edge snow pushers, which he said last longer with less wear and tear, and weather cameras that help the crew monitor the roads.

This week, Grady made his bid for highway superintendent after 30 years working in the private construction industry. His platform focused on doing more with less, saving taxpayer money by buying less equipment.

Lawrence, who confirmed on Wednesday that he plans to run again as an independent in the general election, said his first priority is public safety.