Brittney Lofthouse – Staff Writer
Commissioner Jim Tate has served as a District 1 County Commissioner since December 2011 and has served as chairman the past two years. With 1,473 votes compared to challenger John Shearl’s 1,006 votes, Tate has secured his seat on the board of elections for another four years.
“I am thankful and blessed that Macon County has placed the confidence in me to continue to serve as a commissioner,” said Tate. “I am committed to working respectfully and diligently so that I can make informed decisions for the betterment of our great county. I am truly excited about the opportunity and am ready to get back to work to ensure that Macon County continues to be a great place for all of us to call home.”
Tate does not have a Democratic challenger on the ballot for November, so with the Primary win on Tuesday, he secures his seat on the board. Incumbent Commissioners Gary Shields and Ronnie Beale will both face opposition in November with challengers Ron Haven and Betty Wallace vying for the two seats up for grabs.
The Primary election also decided who would appear on the ballot for both Republicans and Democrats in the race for United States Congress District 11. Incumbent Mark Meadows beat his Republican Challenger Chuck Archerd in a landslide, securing 35,438 votes to Archerd’s 5,600 across the District.
On the Democrat ballot, Phillip Price secured 13,403 votes (40.58%) defeating two other Democrats, Steve Woodsmall and Scott Donaldson. Price will now switch his campaign focus to the November 6 election where he will attempt to unseat Congressman Mark Meadows.
