Lyons, White, Robertson, Cunningham prevail

By Emily Banks Wooten
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Incumbents prevailed in the Republican Primary Election Tuesday. Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons earned a second term, receiving 4,565 votes, to defeat Challenger Mike Nettles who received 2,996 votes.

The only open seat on Tuesday’s ballot, that of tax assessor-collector, was captured by Tatum White, who received 4,048 votes to defeat Roxie Long who received 2,917 votes. Former Tax Assessor-Collector Leslie Jones Burk resigned from the position effective May 31, 2023. The Polk County Commissioners Court appointed Steven Hullihen to serve as interim tax assessor-collector for the remainder of the term. Hullihen accepted the appointment but made it clear that he would not seek election to the position.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Guylene Robertson kept her position with 1,069 votes, defeating Challenger Mitch Newman who received 782 votes.

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Additionally, Precinct 2 Constable Bill Cunningham kept his position, receiving 1,282 votes, to defeat Challenger Jacob Chapman who received 755 votes.

Precinct 3 Constable Ray Myers was up for reelection but elected not to seek another term. Kevin Burman ran unopposed for the position.

Other local officeholders who were up for reelection but did not draw challengers and will return to office included Precinct 3 Commissioner Milt Purvis, Precinct 1 Constable Scott Hughes, Precinct 4 Constable Darwon Evans and 411th District Judge John E. Wells III.

Results of the national and statewide races will be reported in the next issue, as will the results of the 13 propositions that were on the Republican Primary ballot.