Whitfield County voters chose familiar faces in Tuesday's primaries and nonpartisan elections

Charles Oliver, The Daily Citizen, Dalton, Ga.
·2 min read

May 22—Tuesday was a good day for incumbents in Whitfield County, with every officeholder who was facing opposition defeating his challenger in the general primaries and nonpartisan elections.

Board of Commissioners chairman

Incumbent Jevin Jensen turned back the challenge of businessman David Renz by 4,406 votes, 55.1%, to 3,590 votes, 44.9% in the Republican Party primary.

"I want to thank David for contributing to our community and seeking office," said Jensen. "Our democracy is stronger when we have contested elections that allow us to discuss important issues publicly. Our county is blessed with many extraordinary people, and it is an honor and a privilege to continue serving them.

"I am grateful for and extremely humbled by the trust that the voters have invested in me to continue our progress for another four years. I will continue to work tirelessly with all the commissioners to prove that this trust is well-founded. I am committed to building a brighter future for Whitfield County by keeping our county financially strong through lower taxes, better-paying jobs and a continuously improving quality of life."

No Democrat qualified to run for this position.

Board of Commissioners District 2

Incumbent Robby Staten won with 1,062 votes, 71.04%, over Christian Phillips with 433 votes, 28.96%, in the Republican Party primary.

"I want to thank all of the voters in my district who supported me," said Staten. "I can't wait to continue what I think is the great work we have been doing to make Whitfield County a great place to live and to work and to play."

No Democrat qualified to run for this position.

Sheriff

Darren Pierce won a crowded race in the Republican Party primary with 3,985 votes, 53.51%. He defeated Travis Presley, 1,399 votes, 18.79%; Glenn Tate, 1,033 votes, 13.87%; Frank Torres, 613 votes, 8.23%; and Glenn Swinney, 417 votes, 5.6%.

Pierce will face Sheriff Scott Chitwood, who was unopposed in the Democratic Party primary, in the November general election.

Coroner

Incumbent Clyde McDaniel Jr. won the Republican Party primary with 5,652 votes, 70.28%, over businessman Colt Helton with 2,390 votes, 29.72%.

McDaniel will face Susie Brown, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary, in the November general election.

Chief judge of Magistrate Court

Incumbent Chris Griffin won this nonpartisan election with 6,934 votes, 75.75%, over Julia Nguyen-Goulart with 2,220 votes, 24.25%.

Magistrate Court judge

Scotty Martin won this nonpartisan election with 5,215 votes, 62.5%, over Wallace Johnson III with 3,129 votes, 37.5%. Gayle Gazaway did not seek reelection.