Montgomery County has a new sheriff and a new tax assessor/collector following Tuesday’s General Election. Jeff Tompkins was elected Montgomery County Sheriff, and Laurie Lockett was elected Montgomery County Tax Assessor/Collector.
Both Tompkins and Lockett are no strangers to the offices in which they were elected. Tompkins father, the late Robert Tompkins, served as Montgomery County Sheriff for nearly 17 years, and Lockett’s mother, the late Jamie Middleton, served as Montgomery County Tax Assessor/Collector for 24 years.
In Tuesday’s General Election, Tompkins defeated independent challenger Barry Gregg, 2,190 to 1,627. In the race for tax assessor/collector, Lockett garnered 1,428 in-person and absentee votes. She defeated Brad Johnson who had 1,375 and Monica Turner who had 1,069 votes. A 53 vote difference between her and Johnson.
Tompkins, who’s currently employed with Dewberry Sawmill in Maben, said he was grateful for all of the support that was given to him throughout the election and he’s ready to get to work for the citizens of Montgomery County.
“I just want to thank the Lord for sustaining me and my family during this campaign. My wife, family, friends and supporters have held me up in prayer and I can never thank them enough,” Tompkins said. “I will work hard for ALL of our residents. I’m excited to get my team together and get to work for the citizens of Montgomery County.”
A political newcomer, Tompkins defeated incumbent Sheriff Bubba Nix and challenger Jamey Mims in the Democratic primary.
Lockett, who is employed by the Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District, defeated Democratic challengers Teresa Green, Sue Stidham, and Tillford Robinson in August’s Democratic Primary Election.
Also in Tuesday’s election, several incumbents will retain their seats as well. Justice Court Judge Keith Roberts defeated Edd Collins, Jr. Roberts had 1,370 votes to Collins 317.
In the Supervisor races, incumbents Edwin Taylor and Willie Earl Townsend, Jr. retain their seats.
Taylor defeated Dr. Louie Harrison 475 to 284 in the race for the District 2 seat on the board of Supervisors, and, Townsend defeated Pittman 497 to 213 in the District 3 race.
In the District 2 Constable race, incumbent Jerry Dale Bridges defeated Bryan Lott 1,094 to 994.
There are 17 affidavits that are still being counted and official numbers were not available before press time. However, it is not believed that the affidavits will make a difference in the total numbers. The election will be officially certified in five days.
Anyone who voted Tuesday that may not have had their ID with them have five days to show their ID for their vote to count.
All elected officials will be sworn into office in January.
