Incumbents Jim Olsen for District 2 State Representative and Julie Haywood for Sequoyah County Clerk won handily in Tuesday’s Republican primary election. Meanwhile, challenger Melanie Edgmon claimed the Sequoyah County Court Clerk election by an equally large margin.
Results from Tuesday’s election are unofficial until certified at 5 p.m. today.
Haywood, who has served as county clerk for the past 12 years, recorded the widest victory margin among local elections, outdistancing Rosa Scott Looper by a 2,121 to 1,152 count (64.8% to 35.2%).
“I extend my sincerest gratitude to the citizens of Sequoyah County for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your county clerk for another term,” Haywood said on her social media page. “I assure you that I will continue to work diligently and maintain transparency in all my endeavors. My office is open to you, and I invite you to reach out to me directly if you have any concerns or questions.” Haywood also expressed her appreciation for the support of her family, friends, the community and her office team.
Edgmon defeated incumbent Gina Cox in the court clerk race by a 1,901 to 1,261 margin (60.12% to 39.88%).
“Thank you so much to everyone who came out and showed their love and support by voting ME in as Sequoyah County’s new court clerk,” Edgmon said on her social media page. “I am beyond grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Sequoyah County for the next four years. I feel honored that you have entrusted me with this responsibility. I will serve as your court clerk proudly and with dignity.
“With change comes growth, and I have grown from this experience. The court clerk’s office will grow from this change, and it will be for the better.
“I would also like to thank my opponent, Gina Cox. I believe that we both ran a good, clean campaign, and that is something to be proud of. I wish her nothing but the best,” Edgmon said.
Olsen, who has served a state representative for the past six years, chalked up a wide victory over E.O. “Junior” Smith, 1,936 to 1,388 (58.24% to 41.76%).
“We are grateful to the Lord for a nice, clean, clear victory,” Olsen posted on his social media page. “We are also grateful for a wonderful group of people who worked together for a goal of victory. We are also thankful for the support of the people of Sequoyah county. It will be my honor to continue to serve you.”
On the state level for corporation commission, J. Brian Bingman claimed a win in the three-man race. Bingman recorded 53.4% of statewide balloting with 126,733 votes, and 45.6% in Sequoyah County (1,422 votes). Justin Hornback finished as runner-up with 28.6% (68,003) in statewide voting, and 34.7% (1,082) in county balloting. Russell Ray was a distant third — 17.9% (42,498) statewide and 19.7% (616) in the county.
Only 25% of the county’s 13,052 Republican voters turned out for Tuesday’s primary election, a number which was only 8% of the 24,152 registered voters in the county.
