The race for Lowndes County District 1 Justice Court Judge will continue as candidates Ron C. Cooke and Chris Hemphill move on to a Nov. 24 runoff election.
The top three candidates in Tuesday's election were separated by just 6 percentage points, with former Justice Court Judge Ron C. Cooke edging out interim Justice Court Judge Chris Hemphill by 3 percentage points. Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Investigator Tony Cooper finished 3 percentage points behind Hemphill, but will be excluded from the runoff between the top two.
Of 1,219 total votes cast, Cooke received 405 votes, or 33 percent. Hemphill, a lawyer filling the late Phillip Robertson's term on the bench, collected 353 votes, or 29 percent. Cooper was a close third with 322 votes, or 26 percent.
Carolyn Robertson, Phillip Robertson's widow, was fourth with 83 votes, 7 percent. Property manager Michael Tate garnered 56 votes, 5 percent.
A candidate needed more than 50 percent of the vote to win the election outright. None were surprised with the results.
"I felt like there would be a runoff with five individuals and three of us fairly strong," said Cooke. "I don't think anybody could get 50 percent. So now we'll be doing what we've been doing for the last couple months; knocking on doors and talking to folks."
Cooke said his leading 33 percent was more than he expected.
Hemphill also foresaw a runoff.
"My objective was to get into that runoff. I thought it would be real close. I knew Cooper would run well in Caledonia. Caledonia had the biggest box, so I hope to get some of those votes from Mr. Cooper," said Hemphill.
The Caledonia voting precinct saw 491 citizens turn out to vote. Cooper led in Caledonia with 202 votes. Hemphill received 154 and Cooke 103.
Cooper said he's satisfied with his showing and will run again in the future.
"In no shape, form or fashion am I disappointed. I carried two of seven boxes the first time out. We'll be back in it and go again," he said. Cooper also carried the Immanuel Center for Christian Education voting precinct.
Robertson said before the final tallies were in she felt little stress regarding the election.
"My only stress is getting through the ninth of the month. That's when Phillip died," she said.
