Calhoun County, AL – Election night is a stressful time for candidates as they learn the fate of often hard fought campaigns. For some, such as Probate Judge, they continue on to runoffs while others, like Board of Education and United States Representative, 3rd Congressional District have secured their party spots and will appear on the November Ballot. The Calhoun Journal reached out to all local winners to share their views now that the primaries have ended.
Probate Candidates Jon Garlick and Shirley Millwood will both move on to a runoff that will be held on April 16th.
Mr. Garlick spoke with the Calhoun Journal and shared he was proud of the effort that got him into the runoff. He stated that he felt all candidates had professional and courteous races. He is looking forward to April 16th and he is grateful for all who supported him.
Mrs. Millwood shared through a written statement that she is honored to have recieved the most votes for Calhoun County Probate Judge in the Republican Primary election. She stated she looks forward to continuing to work hard over the next six weeks and she, “Is asking for your vote in the April 16th Republican Primary Runoff Election.”
The Calhoun County Board of Education was a contentions race this year and the seven primary winners will move forward to face three Democrat candidates in the November election.
Michael Webb shared that he is very thankful to the people who gave him the opportunity to serve for another six years. He is excited about being able to work with the staff and kids. He really wants everybody know how much he appreciates them and all they have done.
Bobby Tittle stressed that he was humbled by the large portion of voters who turned out and for those that spoke on his behalf. he said this whole process has been a whirlwind! He is looking forward to the General Election in November and moving forward with some other great candidates. He congratulated all the new faces going to the board and he stated he looked forward to moving on with the three incumbents too.
Joe Lathers stated he looked forward to working with Dr. Reyes and serving on the Calhoun County Board of Education. He is excited about the future of the Calhoun County school system. He thanked all those that put their trust in him and voted for him.
Mike Almaroad stated he was, “Tickled to death that the voters of Calhoun County saw fit to put him back in for another term.” He said this race was full of surprises, but that is politics. He also stated that the board that wins in November will move forward like they always have. This would be his seventh term and he has been on the board for 36 years and is ready to get started.
Alan Mange spoke with the Calhoun Journal and also shared on his personal facebook page that he wanted to thank each and everyone who came out to vote. He said, “Y’all showed out and made it count!” He is looking forward to November and looking to serve each school community. He stressed that he can’t thank everyone enough who helped to get to this point. He also said, “Let’s finish it in November and get to work! Thank you all again. I’m forever humbled by your votes!”
Allen George thanked all that trusted him. He stated that it was a honor. He looks forward to the general election in November. He also stated that he looks forward to serving all those that voted for him and those that didn’t vote for him. He looks forwarded to working with Dr. Reyes and to accomplishing great things for the kids and all the staff.
Tobi Burt shared that he was very appecatice of the support shown and he looks forward to serving the children and staff doe another six years. He also shared he was very humbled by the outpouring and he looks forward to all the good things that have and will be done. He said it was an exciting time to be a part of Calhoun County Schools.
Congressman Mike Rogers also won he primary. We did reach out to his D.C. office; however; he was not in. At the time of publication we had not received a statement from the Congressman.
Another race that was held was for Delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, 3rd Congressional District. Those four spots were one by:
Anniston city Councilwoman Ciara Smith. spoke to the Calhoun Journal and expressed how excited she was for this experience and for being about to do something outside her service to the city, but still serving her county. She thanked everyone for their votes and has pledged her vote to President Joe Biden.
Pam Howard stated she was very excited to get to travel to Chicago and support President Biden at the National Convention.
* The other two delegate winners were Jeremy Gray and Kyle Pierce.
The proposed statewide amendment did not pass on a statewide level however it did pass locally. Commissioner Lee Patterson spoke with the Calhoun Journal and shared that he was proud that Amendment One passed in Calhoun County and was saddened that it didn’t statewide. He feels that the next time this comes to a vote the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA), which he is currently President Elect, needs to do a better job of educating voters across the state that the amendment is and how it impacts each county.
Secretary of State Wes Allen stated, “Alabama voters received timely unofficial election results as evidence of a safe, secure, and transparent election. I am proud that the unofficial election results for every county in Alabama were made available to the public on the Secretary of State’s website last night. As Secretary of State, and a former probate judge, I know first-hand the hard work it takes to successfully administer free and fair elections. I want to thank our local election officials for conducting election night reporting and helping us to ensure timely delivery of unofficial election results to Alabama voters.”
