Today’s primary is just the first step for several candidates whose offices won’t be decided until the general election in August.
Ahead in the county mayor race is Republican incumbent Mayor Claude Ramsey, with 9,991. His opponents, Republican Richard Rankin and Republican Basil Marceaux have 1,567 and 392 votes, respectively. Ninety-nine percent of precincts are reporting at this time.
Totals for other candidates whose races will continue to Aug. 5 include:
* Republican incumbent Sheriff Jim Hammond is leading the county sheriff race with 10,886 votes. His opponent, Democrat Lloyd “Bodie” Clendenen has 2,759. Ninety-nine percent of precincts are reporting.
* Republican Gary Behler is leading the juvenile court clerk race with 8,148 votes. His opponent, Democratic incumbent Ron Swafford has 4,143. Ninety-nine percent of precincts are reporting.
* Republican R. Chester Heathington is leading the county clerk race with 7,703 votes. His opponent, Democratic incumbent W.F. “Bill” Knowles has 4,168. Ninety-nine percent of precincts are reporting.
* Republican incumbent Pam Hurst is leading the register of deeds race with 9,493 votes. Her opponent, Democrat Jeff Brown has 3,401. Ninety-nine percent of precincts are reporting.
All vote totals, which include federally mandated provisional ballots, are unofficial until certified by the Tennessee Division of Elections.