By Bonnie Culverhouse
(Editor’s note: All results from Saturday’s election are unofficial at this time.)
In a Saturday election that should have been filled with general election runoffs, there are surprisingly few that will be on the November 18 ballot.
All that is required to be elected is 50 percent plus one (vote). Statewide, Republican Jeff Landry beat 14 other candidates for governor with 52 percent of the vote. The closest candidate was Democrat Shawn D. Wilson with 26 percent. In Webster Parish, Landry was the top vote-getter with 61 percent.
Republican Billy Nungessor returns as Lt. Governor with 66 percent of the vote statewide and 64 percent In Webster Parish.
There will be runoffs between Secretary of State candidates Gwen Collins-Greenup and Nancy Landry who each acquired 19 percent of the vote. Green is a democrat, while Landry is a republican, Attorney General Liz Baker Murrill (republican) with 45 percent of the vote and Democrat Lindsey Cheek with 23 percent and Treasurer candidates Republican John Fleming and Democrat Dustin Granger. Fleming had 44 percent of the statewide vote, while Granger garnered 32 percent.
In multi-parish elections for state senate, incumbent Alan Seabaugh held his seat over fellow Republican Mike McConathy with 54 percent of the vote, Stewart Cathey will represent 33rd Senatorial District with 53 percent of the vote and Adam Bass is the new 36th District Senator with 62 percent of the vote over incumbent Robert Mills.
In Webster Parish results, Webster Parish Police Jury District 3, incumbent Daniel G. Thomas, a republican, won handily over Democrat Patricia A. McMurray with 71 percent of the vote.
In District 5, Republican Mike Griffith will retain the seat he was appointed following the death of Bernard Hudson. Griffith had three democrat opponents but won with 66 percent of the vote.
WPPJ District 5, the seat vacated by Nick Cox when he was elected Minden Mayor, will be held by Independent Nancy Hines who won over Democrat Winky Newer with 61 percent of the vote. Although, Cox’s wife was appointed to fill his position, Hines makes history as the first caucasian female to be elected to the jury in Webster Parish. Cox did not seek election.
Democrat Latanya Grigsby will hold the District 10 seat, beating Republican Darrelll Morris with 67 percent of the vote. That seat is currently held by Jurywoman Vera Davison who did not seek re-election.
Town of Cullen has a new alderperson. Lacandy Gipson, democrat, won with 53 percent of the vote over Terry Lewis (no party).
All four Constitutional Amendments passed.
Unofficial election turnout was around 34 percent of registered voters.
