slideshow

Following are election responses from participants in some of the key races on the ballot.

Dan Kilgore won the biggest race of his career to date Tuesday, beating out three opponents to snare the Republican nomination for Sheriff.

“I am excited and glad to be the Republican nominee for Sheriff of Upson County,” Kilgore said Wednesday. “I am very encouraged and thankful for the overwhelming support that I have received during the election. It is humbling to know that my community has that kind of confidence in not only me, but my family and my co-workers. I want to thank everyone who worked with and supported me throughout during the campaign, but most importantly I want to thank the voters because without them this would not have been possible. I am looking forward to gearing up for November and ask for your continued support.”

Marc Ellington and Danielle McRae emerged from the four-person battle for the position of Probate Judge in nearly a virtual tie for the lead, with only 54 votes separating the two. They will face off in the August 21 runoff.

“I want to give a big thanks to all the supporters and everyone that voted,” said Ellington. “I am very appreciative and honored to be in a run-off election and appreciate each of my competitors for running a clean campaign. If elected I will work hard, train and will not let you down. I bring the same experience to the table as the three judges before me. I ask that everyone please go back out and vote on August 21 because every vote counts.”

“Tuesday was very long day and I am very grateful to the citizens of Upson County for their support,” said McRae. “There were many candidates up for many different positions, now it’s down to this one… I ask for your support again on August 21st. Vote for experience! Vote for Judge Danielle McRae!”

In the race for the District 1 County Commission post, Lorenzo Wilder, Sr. defeated George Carriker.

““First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me the vision and the spirit to step up and try to make a difference in my community,” said Wilder. “Secondly, to the voters and residents of Upson County District One, (those for me and those oppose me) thank you, for without you, this victory could not have been achieved. And lastly, to Team Wilder! What can I say? Webster doesn’t contain enough words to express how grateful I am for your “heart” and your hard work and dedication to this campaign. Your commitment will never be forgotten!”

While the TSPLOST vote passed by a narrow margin in Upson County, it failed within the Three Rivers Regional Commission. Upson County Commission Chairman Maurice Raines, who also chaired the roundtable committee that prepared the road projects for Three Rivers, thanked Upson County voters for their support.

“I want to commend the citizens of Thomaston and Upson County for believing in a way to improve our economic infrastructure in order to better transportation in our community,” said Raines. “I am glad to know that our community understood the importance of improving our position in economic development as well. I want to say thank you to our Chamber and the community leaders for their hard work in promoting the T-SPLOST. The mayor and I have worked on this committee for two and a half years and I am glad to see the community supported our efforts. I’m now looking forward to working on a plan B for our area and the State of Georgia when it comes to transportation.”