When the ballots had been counted last night, the Shelby County Judge’s race saw a difference of one vote, with challenger Allison Harbison coming out on top, 1,629 to incumbent Rick Campbell’s 1,628 in the Republican Party Primary, making Ms. Harbison the “presumptive winner”, as there are five provisional ballots to certify, which could have one of the closest races in Shelby County history come down to certification.

 

Republican Party Chairperson Leigh Porterfield said regardless of how the provisional ballots come out, she felt a recount would likely be requested by whoever had the least amount of votes in the race.

 

Ms. Harbison said it will be up to Voter Registrar Debora Riley to verify the five provisional ballots and those individuals have six days to bring in photo ID so they can be counted.

 

It’s now wait and see in the Shelby County Judge’s race, as the democratic process unfolds

 

In the other Shelby County-wide race, challenger Anne Blackwell won the Republican Party county treasurer’s race by defeating incumbent Joan Rodgers, 1,725 to 1,400. Ms. Blackwell is the candidate elect since there’s no Democratic Party challenger.

 

Elsewhere in the Republican Party Primary, in the JP Pct. 1 race, Melissa Crouch avoids a run-off by taking 50.81 percent of the ballots, with 819 votes, to Barbara Scates’ 519, and William Eddins with 274. Ms. Crouch is the party nominee and will face incumbent Maxie Eaves in the General Election.

 

In the JP Pct. 2 race, Marla Denby over Mark E. Swift, 359 to 199. Ms. Denby will take on Jerry Powell in November; and in the JP Pct. 5 race, Mike Crouch over T.L. Williams, 168 to 115. Crouch, who’s the triplet brother of Melissa Crouch will face off with incumbent Jim Powers in November.

 

Over in the Democratic Party Primary, incumbent County Commissioner Pct. 4 Bradley Allen has won re-election, by defeating Howard Sparks, 216-128. In the JP Pct. 4 race, Jenny L. Hicks over Shonda Clifton, 79-42.

 

In the San Augustine County Commissioner Pct. 4 Republican Primary race, there will be a run-off between Steve Bryan and David McEarchern (McKatherine). Bryan had 138 votes to 128 for McEarchern. The run-off will be May 27. The other race candidates, Joe Hanks had 49 votes and Jim Sower with 39.

 

Other election results, former State Rep. Wayne Christian will be in a runoff for State Railroad Commissioner after he led the ticket with 42 percent of the votes, and will face Ryan Sitton who was able to pick up 30 percent.

 

Nacogdoches County: Mike Perry has won the county judge’s race avoiding a run-off in a three candidate field; and in Panola County, they have their first female judge, as LeeAnn Jones wins the primary election; and State Rep. Travis Clardy of Nacogdoches has won re-election.