Voters head to the polls on Tuesday, June 9, for the combined Georgia primary. Though the presidential nomination for both parties is already decided, there are several races worth noting in Henry County. Here’s our pick for the elections to watch.
1. Henry County Sheriff
There is little doubt that the next Sheriff has big shoes to fill with the retirement of three-term Sheriff Keith McBrayer and voters have taken notice. Our listing of Sheriff candidates has been visited over 10,000 times since qualifying took place in March.
On Tuesday, voters will narrow down the field from ten candidates to, at most, four. With seven Democratic candidates and three Republicans, there‘s a chance for a late summer primary runoff in both parties if no candidate receives more than fifty percent of the vote.
2. Henry County Board of Education
Our next pick is actually three elections. Positions on the Henry County Board of Education are on the ballot in commission districts I, II, and III. Because these positions are non-partisan, Tuesday’s election is for the overall winner.
In district one, incumbent Pam Nutt (Facebook page) and local pastor John Dewberry Jr. (Facebook profile) face off for the fourth-consecutive election. Dr. Nutt is the longest-serving board member seeking election to her seventh term.
In district two, current BOE Chairman Josh Hinton (Facebook page | Website) has three challengers in his bid for re-election: Makenzie McDaniel (Facebook page | Website), Sharon McMeans-Lukiri (Facebook page), and Gewel Richardson (Facebook page | Website). Because of the number of candidates, a late summer runoff could take place.
In district three, BOE Vice-Chair Holly Cobb (Facebook page | Website) has a challenge from Dr. Deborah Sykes (Facebook page | Website). Cobb was first elected in 2016.
3. US Congress, Georgia’s 13th District
Moving Henry Forward does not traditionally cover congressional elections, but we are making an exception to mention the Democratic Primary in the 13th congressional district. Congressman David Scott, first elected in 2002, has three opponents in Tuesday’s primary: Michael Owens, Jannquell Peters, and Keisha Sean Waites.
The 13th district represents portions of Henry County including Ellenwood and Stockbridge. Visit Ballotpedia for more information about the candidates.
4. Henry County Commission, District II
Three seats on the county commission are on this year’s ballot, but only one has a contested primary — the Democratic Primary for commission district II in southwest Henry County. Incumbent Dee Clemmons (Facebook page | Website) has two challengers: Devlin Cleveland (Facebook page | Website) and Tina Marie Coria (Website).
Moving Henry Forward previously published interviews with Devlin Cleveland and Tina Marie Coria.
Voting precincts will be open from 7am to 7pm on Election Day. Be sure and visit our Elections webpage for more information about voting precincts and to see everyone that’s on this month’s ballot.
