Tim Wroten will battle four independent candidates in the Nov. 8 general election for Amite County sheriff after picking up the Democratic nomination with a win over Gloster Police Chief Tommie Lee in Tuesday’s runoff election.
Wroten and the independent candidates — Gloster police officer Tyrone Green Sr., sheriff’s deputy Murdock Reeves, Dale Causey and former sheriff’s deputy Joe Hampton — are running to replace incumbent Tim Perkins, who is not seeking another term.
The runoff saw a 44 percent voter turnout.
“I’m just proud that the people got out and voted,” Wroten said. “That’s who I want to work for, the people of Amite County. I appreciate their support. It made me feel real good that the people stood behind me.”
Wroten picked up 2,988 votes — good enough for 68 percent of the vote — to Lee’s 1,415 votes.
“It was a tough race. Tim ran a good race. I have nothing against him,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to working with him if he wins the office. I was disappointed with the turnout.”
Wroten agreed it was a difficult race, particularly having worked under or with many of the candidates who initially comprised the 14-man field. He spent a stint under Lee as a Gloster police officer.
“With all of them that have run, I’ve either worked with or known them my whole life,” he said. “It’s a little bit different than running against somebody you didn’t know that well. I think the world of Tommie Lee.”
Graves defeats Nevels
Melvin “Butch” Graves will carry the Democratic flag against independent candidate Thomas D. Fenn in November’s general election for District 4 supervisor after defeating Johnny Wayne Nevels in Tuesday’s Democratic run-off.
The District 4 seat is now held by Travis Taylor, who served three terms and is not seeking re-election.
Graves picked up 535 votes (61 percent) to Nevels’ 336.
“I’m very pleased with the results,” Graves said. “I thank the voters for supporting me and and getting me through the runoff. I feel good about going into the general election, also.
“I’m just going to continue to listen to the voters of the 4th district and be aware of their concerns.”
Leake defeats Toler
Warren Leake won the Democratic runoff for District 1 supervisor, picking up 623 votes (58 percent) to Tim Toler’s 446.
Leake will face independent candidates Ray Lofton and Glenn Wilson and Republican Johnny L. Tynes in the Nov. 8 general election.
