SPRINGFIELD — The race to determine the successor to longtime Effingham County Superior Court Clerk Elizabeth Hursey is finally over.
Elections Director Olivia Morgan said Friday that Bragg edged Walt Lawson 2,877-2,849 in their Aug. 11 runoff election. The final outcome wasn’t determined until provisional ballots were examined.
Forty military ballots were mailed out but none were returned.
“I am humbled and honored to have been elected as your clerk,” Bragg said in a text message to the Herald. “I love Effingham County! And now to have an opportunity to serve its people is a dream come true.”
Bragg waited for results on election night at the Effingham County Elections & Registrations Office with his wife, Rebecca. They were accompanied by several family members and friends.
“There are so many people to thank,” Bragg said. “I appreciate all the support I have been given.”
Bragg will spend a few days learning from Hursey, who retired last month after serving as clerk for nine terms. She agreed to remain on the job a few weeks extra to help with the transition.
“A very special ‘thank you’ to Mrs. Elizabeth Hursey for entrusting me to follow the path she has navigated and build on the foundation she has created in the office of Superior Court in this county,” Bragg said.
Bragg also voiced gratitude to his spouse.
He added, “And I want to thank God for this wonderful opportunity!”
In other Aug. 11 runoffs, Billy Hickman topped Dr. Scott Bohlke in the Senate District 4 special election and Republican primary runoffs.
Hickman claimed the opportunity to fill the remainder of the term of Jack Hill, who died in April, by a count of 9,532-7,404. In addition, because there is no Democrat opposition this fall, he advanced to the next term of the General Assembly with an 8,585-5,841 victory.
In the only other race involving Effingham County, Joyce Marie Griggs defeated Lisa Ring 16,004-12,612 for the U.S. House District 1 nomination. She will face Republican Rep. Buddy Carter this fall.
Only six votes were cast in that race in Effingham County.
