Incumbent supervisors Trip Hairston and Jeff Smith both cruised back into office Tuesday night, according to unofficial results, and Andy Williamson beat both of his Republican rivals outright.
Veteran Justice Court Judge Peggy Phillips easily won another term, but the District 1 supervisor and tax collector races are headed to an Aug. 29 runoff.
About 70-80 absentee ballots are still in play and will be counted Wednesday.
District 2 supervisor
Hairston defeated Republican challenger Brad Holliman 1,064 to 291, handily winning a second term.
“I’m thankful for the people who voted,” Hairston said. “I’m really pleased with the turnout, and thankful for my opponent. I thought he ran a really good race and we didn’t get into slinging mud or anything.”
District 4 supervisor
Smith also won reelection, garnering 1,010 votes while Herman Phillips got 259 and Anthony Sanders got 226.
“I thank the voters of District 4 for giving me four more years to continue the work we’ve got going on in the county,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to working with the new board to build on the success of today.”
District 3 supervisor
Williamson emerged from a crowded District 3 field to win the Republican nomination outright. Williamson received 1,100 votes, while Tony Hannah got 673 and Chad Frasher got 402.
“I’m humbled and very appreciative,” Williamson said. “I want to commend my opponents on hard-fought, well-run campaigns. I will work not only for my supporters but for their supporters as well.”
Williamson will face independent Christopher Moore in the November general election.
District 1 supervisor
The District 1 supervisor race will likely see a runoff between Michael Brock and Matt Furnari. Brock got 892 (49.8%) votes to Furnari’s 639 (35.7%), with Kevin Clark receiving 259 (14.5%).
To win outright, a candidate needed to receive 50% plus one vote.
The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Tommy Lee Kidd in the November general election.
Tax Collector
Kalee Talley and Diane Whaley Stephens are headed to a runoff. Talley got 2,721 (42.9%) votes, while Stephens received 2,049 (32.4%) and Maci Griffin got 1,559 (24.6%).
All three are running as Republicans, so the winner of the runoff will clinch the seat.
This is the first election for the office, which was formerly combined with that of tax assessor. As Lowndes County has an assessed value and tax collections over $1 billion, the office was split.
Former Tax Assessor/Collection Greg Andrews will continue as tax assessor; he does not have an opponent.
District 3 Justice Court judge
Phillips easily bested challengers James Gunter and Joseph Mickens. Phillips got 1,317 votes, with Mickens pulling in 488 and Gunter getting 268.
With no Republican opponent, she is assured another four-year term.
The general election will be held Nov. 7.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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