First-time candidate Stephen J. Barron Jr. upset Northampton County Controller John Schimmel late Tuesday by a razor-thin margin as Schimmel tried for his fourth term.

With all precincts reporting, unofficial returns showed Barron with 16,223 votes to 16,026 for Schimmel, a margin of less than 1 percent.

Schimmel, 60, is a Republican from Upper Mount Bethel Township. Barron, a Democrat, is from Bethlehem. The controller’s job is considered part time and pays $39,000 a year.

Barron, 30, made the part-time label an issue in his campaign, pledging to be at the office full time if elected.