Richard Coleman wins the Democratic Primary, will face Sheriff John Wilcher in November
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Richard Coleman won the May 21 Democratic primary for the Chatham County Sheriff and will face incumbent Sheriff John Wilcher in November.
Coleman garnered 8,802 votes, or 53.93% of the vote. He ran on a platform of crime prevention efforts.
“I feel pretty good,” Coleman said in a phone call. “It was a lot closer than what I expected. So, my hat's off to Mr. Burns.”
Kevin Burns, a former Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Advanced Deputy, garnered 6,903 votes, or 46.07%. Burns did not return a phone call by publication time.
More: Chatham County Sheriff candidates speak at League of Women's Voters Forum
More: Former Chatham County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Burns explains why he wants the top job
More: Longtime police officer Richard Coleman announced 2024 run for Chatham County Sheriff
More: Contractors with Chatham County jail contribute to Sheriff John Wilcher's election campaign
Coleman said his plans heading into the November 2024 election involved “just keep going strong. Increase the campaign. Probably gonna do a little more fundraising, so we could do a little more advertising.”
His opponent Wilcher has a formidable campaign warchest. He replaced six-term sheriff Al St. Lawrence, who died in office in 2015. Seven months after winning a special election for the seat, Wilcher was elected to a full term and re-elected in 2020.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Richard Coleman wins Democratic Primary for Chatham County Sheriff
