Local voters joined other across the state in casting their ballots in the Democratic/Republican Primary Election on July 20.

The only contested race locally was that for the District #5 seat on the Jenkins County Board of Commissioners. Incumbent James (Jerry) Henry was successful in his bid for re-election polling 161 votes. Challengers Mae Francis Wright received 84 votes, and Bill Sipes polled 35.

Unopposed local candidates included Troy Gay, incumbent, State Court Solicitor General, 460 votes, and Pamelia Ann Dwight, incumbent, Jenkins County Board of Commissioners, District #2, 92 votes.

Jenkins County’s choice for statewide Democratic candidates were as follows: U.S. Senate – Michael Thurmond; Governor – Roy E. Barnes ; Lieutenant Governor – Carol Porter; Secretary of State – Gail Buckner; Attorney General – Ken Hodges; Commissioner of Agriculture – J.B. Powell; Commissioner of Insurance – Mary Squires; State School Superintendent – Joe Martin ; Commissioner of Labor - Terry L. Coleman; Public Service Commissioner – Ken Moffett; U.S. Representative – John Barrow; and State Representative – Elizabeth Johnson.

Local Republicans gave their nod of approval to the following candidates: U.S. Senate – Johnny Isakson; Governor – Karen Handel; Lieutenant Governor – L.S. Casey Cagle; Secretary of State – Brian Kemp; Attorney General – Preston W. Smith; Commissioner of Agriculture –Gary Black; Commissioner of Insurance – Maria Sheffield and Tom Knox tied with 52 votes each; State School Superintendent - John B. Barge; Commissioner of Labor – Mark Butler ; Public Service Commissioner – B. Joseph Brush; U.S. Representative – Raymond McKinney ; State Senator – Jesse Stone; and State Representative – Jon G. Burns.

Approximately 21.27 percent of Jenkins County’s 4,632 registered voters cast their ballots in Tuesday’s election.

A statewide run-off election will be held Aug. 10. There will be no local candidates on the ballot in this election.