By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
Effingham County voters turned out Tuesday, May 21, for a much-anticipated primary election. Up for grabs were a number of county commission, county office, and school board seats; in addition to a number of judicial seats.
One of the tightest races is for tax commissioner where Kelly Hoffner received 2,630 (43.9%) and Daniel Rodewolt was close behind with 2,552 (42.6%). Since neither candidate secured 50% of the votes, there will be a runoff on June 18. Tony Sapp received 804 (13%) of the vote.
The other race that resulted in a runoff is for state court judge. Incumbent Stephen R. Yekel (2,986 votes, 42.2%) will face off against Melissa Calhoun (2,066 votes, 29.1%). Calhoun narrowly edged Raymond Dickey who garnered 2,025 votes (28.6%).
The County Commission Chairman race was close all evening while the votes were being tallied. Damon Rahn gathered 3,103 votes (51.7%) to Alex Long’s 2,890 votes (48.2%).
In County Commission District 1, incumbent Frank Forrest Floyd was challenged by Alfred Bryant and Wallace Thomas. Floyd garnered 580 votes (52%) to retain his seat.
The open County Commission District 4 seat previously held by Reginald Loper, was won by Beth Helmly, who received 630 votes (56.4%). Her closest challenger was Craig Johnson, who received 217 votes (19.4%).
Even though there weren’t high profile positions such as U.S. senator or governor’s race, the local elections are still important in setting policies and managing growth of the area into the future.
In the race for the US House seat in Dist. 12, Republican incumbent Rick W. Allen, who ran unopposed, will face the Democrat winner, Elizabeth Johnson in November. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter will face Democratic challenger Patti Hewitt in the November General Election. Both Carter and Hewitt ran unopposed in their respective primaries.
According to the Effingham County Elections website, 2,353 residents voted early in person; and 203 by absentee ballot. Turn out on Election Day saw 4,878 Effingham County voters. Total votes cast in the county were 7,434 or just over 16%.
Here are the races and the results.
Democrat races
US House Dist. 1
Patti Hewitt 505 (100%)
US House Dist. 12
Daniel “DJ” Jackson 112 (35.1%)
Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson 207 (64.8%)
Republican races
US House Dist. 1
Earl L. “Buddy” Carter 3,622 (100%)
US House Dist. 12
Rick W. Allen 2,058 (100%)
State Senate Dist. 4
Billy Hickman 5,536 (100%)
State House Rep Dist. 159
Jon G. Burns 3,253 (100%)
State House Rep. Dist. 161
Bill Hitchens 2,350 (100%)
District Attorney, Ogeechee Circuit
Robert Busbee 3,249 (55%)
Daphne J. Totten (incumb.) 2,651 (44.9%)
Clerk of Superior Court
Jason Bragg (incumb.) 2,946 (48.5%)
Walt Lawson 3,123 (51.4%)
Sheriff
Jimmy McDuffie (unopp.) 5,776 (100%)
Tax Commissioner (open seat)
Kelly Hoffner 2,630 (43.9%) -- runoff
Daniel Rodewolt 2,552 (42.6%) -- runoff
Tony Sapp 804 (13%)
Coroner
David Exley (unopp.) 5,600 (100%)
County Commission Chair
Alex Long 2,890 (48.2%).
Damon Rahn 3,103 (51.7%)
County Commissioner Dist. 1
Alfred Bryant 155 (13.9%)
Frank Forrest Floyd (inc.) 580 (52%)
Wallace Thomas 380 (34%)
County Commission Dist. 4
James Gerbasi 101 (9%)
Beth Helmly 630 (56.4%)
Craig Johnson 217 (19.4%)
Jeremiah Still 94 (8%)
Scott Varnadore 74 (6%)
Contested Nonpartisan races
Justice Supreme Court
John Barrow 2,984 (42.9%)
Andrew Pinson (inc.) 3,969 (57%)
Court of Appeals Judge
(Open -- M. Yvette Miller's seat)
Jeff Davis 4,805 (73.9%)
Tabitha Ponder 1,693 (26%)
State Court Judge
Melissa Calhoun 2,066 (29.1%) -- runoff
Raymond Dickey 2,025 (28.6%)
Stephen R. Yekel (inc.) 2,986 (42.1%) -- runoff
County Board of Education Dist. 3 (open seat)
Troy Lamar Allen 1,225 (62.5%)
Jacoby Jones 735 (37.5%)
