Two-thirds of Oktibbeha County’s justice court seats are now set after Larnzy Carpenter defeated long-serving District 2 Judge W. Bernard Crump in Tuesday’s Democratic runoff election.
C. Martin Haug, the only lawyer running for a judgeship this election cycle, also secured his party’s nomination in the November general election after he beat challenger Cheikh A. Taylor.
Election officials noted fewer problems in Tuesday’s contests than in Aug. 4’s primaries, although commissioners confirmed a few early voters in split precincts received the wrong ballots at the polls. The problem was quickly corrected, Commissioner Myles Carpenter said, and did not impact the election.
Larnzy Carpenter, a former U.S. Marine with ties to county law enforcement, secured 67 percent of District 2’s vote, while Haug won with 55 percent.
The incoming judge, who also serves as an Oktibbeha County minister, celebrated with supporters at the courthouse and gave thanks to God after his final total was read aloud.
“We had a great team that worked together, and we thank god for the voters of Oktibbeha County,” Larnzy Carpenter said. “(Crump) served well, and I commend him for the job he did.”
Larnzy Carpenter does not have a Republican opponent in November’s general election. District 1 Judge Tony Boykin secured his seat on Aug. 4, defeating two other opponents with 57 percent of the vote.
Haug will face two others – Republican Buddy Johnston and independent Hardy Mitchell – in November.
“We’re finding that (voters) really do care about qualifications,” Haug said of his experience out on the campaign trail. “My whole campaign has been about improving justice court in general. It’s about bringing more qualifications, more legal knowledge into the courts. (His message) is resonating.”
Turnout in yesterday’s two races was low, according to the night’s election report. About 10 percent of registered voters participated in District 2’s race, while only about 7 percent of voters cast ballots in District 3’s primary.
Those figures are unofficial and do not include 11 affidavits vetted and counted Tuesday. Additionally, Tuesday’s runoff was open to Democrats who participated in their party’s first primary and voters that did not cast ballots in either the Democratic or Republican races earlier this month.
The general election will be held Nov. 3.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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