WINONA -- Three-term incumbent Bubba Nix was unseated in Tuesday’s Primary Runoff by political newcomer Jeff Tompkins in the race for the seat of Montgomery County Sheriff.
Tompkins will now face Barry Gregg in November’s General Election.
With only one affidavit ballot uncounted for lack of a photo ID, Tompkins defeated Nix 1,238 to 1,127, garnering 52 percent of the vote. The vote count is still uncertified.
Wednesday morning, Tompkins was still reeling from the win.
“It’s humbling. I’m honored, and I’m nervous,” he said. “I can’t find the words to really say how I feel. I’m just thankful that many people put their trust in me. First, I give thanks to God. He gets all the credit. I had good help and great supporters. God is good.”
Tompkins said he’s gearing up for November’s contest against Gregg, Nix’s former deputy and current school resource officer at Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District.
“I’m just thankful how this has turned out, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store next,” he said. “I just want to thank God, my wife, my family and friends and my supporters,” he said. “They all made this possible.”
And, in the tax assessor/collector’s race, Laurie Middleton Lockett unofficially defeated Teresa Nabors Green 1,493 to 785, garnering 64 percent of the vote. Lockett will go on to face Republican candidate Brad Johnson and independent candidate Monica Turner in November’s election.
“I’m excited and thankful, I’m glad that I’ve made it to the next step,” she said. Lockett said “Now it’s time to begin working on November.”
Lockett said she’s humbled by the support she received, but she still has more to do.
“It’s a totally different situation in November. I don’t ever want to get too confident,” she said.
Lockett said she thanks for voters that turned out in the primary and run-off elections to vote for her. “I’m asking you all again to come out in November. I wouldn’t be where I am without you all,” she said.
The winner of the general election will succeed longtime Tax Assessor and Collector Velma Young, who decided to retire and not seek re-election.
