The fallout from election day means a big change in the Wyoming County Courthouse. After 20 years in office, voters cast out incumbent District Attorney George Skumanick.
Now, attorney Jeff Mitchell will be leaving his law office on Tioga Street in Tunkhannock for a new role. The winning Democrat said he's a little surprised he beat the long-time district attorney.
"I'm excited, I'm elated, I'm humbled, I'm honored to be given the honor serve Wyoming County," said Mitchell. "It's really also a bit surprising, to be honest with you."
There was also some surprise and mixed reaction from voters.
"I'm glad," said Joan Ely from Noxen. "I don't think he was the right person for the job."
"I thought he did a very good job in the years he was in office," said Thomas Rowe of Meshoppen. "I voted for him, I guess I was surprised, really."
Even supporters believe Skumanick may have been hurt this past year when he threatened to prosecute teens for sending sexually explicit text messages. It was a controversy that brought national attention.
"As to the sexting issue I don't think people were so upset with the education program or holding the kids responsible, but it really became a media circus," said Mitchell. He added he heard a lot from voters that they wanted change but still knew it was a big challenge to win.
"I thought I had a chance, I also knew I had an up-hill battle," said Mitchell. "But hills can be climbed I thought if I worked hard enough and got people out there to see what people were concerned about I could pull this off. "
Mitchell was amazed at the grassroots effort that helped him win.
"People I don't even know, people off the street coming in asking, 'what can I do to support you?' It was an honor it really was," he said.
Skumanick said low turnout was likely to blame for his loss. He doesn't believe the sexting issue caused his loss.
He said after prosecuting 10,000 cases over the years, there are bound to be people that dislike him. With turnout low, he said that had an impact.
Mitchell believes Skumanick will help make a smooth transition. The newcomer is just anxious to get to started in his new job.
Now, attorney Jeff Mitchell will be leaving his law office on Tioga Street in Tunkhannock for a new role. The winning Democrat said he's a little surprised he beat the long-time district attorney.
"I'm excited, I'm elated, I'm humbled, I'm honored to be given the honor serve Wyoming County," said Mitchell. "It's really also a bit surprising, to be honest with you."
There was also some surprise and mixed reaction from voters.
"I'm glad," said Joan Ely from Noxen. "I don't think he was the right person for the job."
"I thought he did a very good job in the years he was in office," said Thomas Rowe of Meshoppen. "I voted for him, I guess I was surprised, really."
Even supporters believe Skumanick may have been hurt this past year when he threatened to prosecute teens for sending sexually explicit text messages. It was a controversy that brought national attention.
"As to the sexting issue I don't think people were so upset with the education program or holding the kids responsible, but it really became a media circus," said Mitchell. He added he heard a lot from voters that they wanted change but still knew it was a big challenge to win.
"I thought I had a chance, I also knew I had an up-hill battle," said Mitchell. "But hills can be climbed I thought if I worked hard enough and got people out there to see what people were concerned about I could pull this off. "
Mitchell was amazed at the grassroots effort that helped him win.
"People I don't even know, people off the street coming in asking, 'what can I do to support you?' It was an honor it really was," he said.
Skumanick said low turnout was likely to blame for his loss. He doesn't believe the sexting issue caused his loss.
He said after prosecuting 10,000 cases over the years, there are bound to be people that dislike him. With turnout low, he said that had an impact.
Mitchell believes Skumanick will help make a smooth transition. The newcomer is just anxious to get to started in his new job.
