Veteran politicians swept back into office in Lowndes County, with Sheriff Eddie Hawkins, Coroner Greg Merchant, Chancery Clerk Cindy Goode and District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks all winning reelection, according to unofficial results.
There are still 258 affidavit ballots and about 58 mail-in absentees that remain to be counted, but they are not enough to swing any local races. Those votes will be counted Wednesday.
Republican Eddie Hawkins defeated Democratic challenger Willie Jones 9,751 (56.1%) to 7,601 (43.8%).
“I’m honored and humbled that the citizens of Lowndes County voted to reelect me as their sheriff,” Hawkins said. “I look forward to great things for Lowndes County, and to keep on doing what we’ve been doing and making positive changes for the county.”
The Dispatch could not reach Jones by press time.
Other incumbents
Merchant, a Republican, fended off Democrat Leonard Williams 10,298 (59.4%) to 7,010 (40.5%) in the coroner’s race, while Goode, a Republican, defeated Democrat Andre Deforest Roberts 9,596 (55.9%) to 7,583 (44.1%) for chancery clerk.
Brooks, a Democrat, handily won reelection as District 5 supervisor, defeating independent challenger Tiffany Turner 2,121 (62.7%) to 1,263 (37.3%).
District 1 supervisor
Republican Matt Furnari defeated Democrat Tommy Lee Kidd 2,336 (63.5%) to 1,343 (36.5%). Furnari currently serves on the Caledonia Board of Aldermen while Kidd was a longtime Lowndes County Road Department foreman.
Incumbent Harry Sanders did not seek reelection.
District 3 supervisor
Republican Andy Williamson cruised to victory with 2,514 votes (66.9%). His opponent, independent Christopher Moore, garnered 1,245 (33.1%).
Williamson will replace John Holliman, who did not seek reelection.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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