Newton County’s government will have several new faces come January 1 after new leaders were elected during the November 5 general election.
At the top, Republican Joedy Pennington was elected to be the new sheriff, replacing retiring Sheriff Jackie Knight. He soundly defeated independent challenger Randy Patrick.
“Thank you does not seem to be enough,” Pennington said in a social media post November 6. “Last night, the people of Newton County showed me unbelievable support in the Sheriff’s election and I am truly humbled and grateful. Thank you to all of my supporters, friends and especially my family for your support and encouraging words throughout this past year.
“I also want to thank Randy Patrick. Randy ran a clean, good and honorable campaign with the best intentions for the people of Newton County, and I thank him for that. As we go forward, it will be my mission to work for every single person in Newton County and provide the best service possible.”
Here is a look at several of the other major races:
Senate District 31
Republican Tyler McCaughn will be the new face of Senate District 31, replacing retiring Sen. Terry Burton. He defeated Mike Marlow convincingly to win the general election after defeating Hampton Gardner in the Republican Primary.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am humbled by the outpouring of support that you all have given to me,” McCaughn said. “I aspire only to make District 31 proud and to see us prosper. Thank you all.”
State House of Representatives District 78
Randy Rushing defeated Joe Bradford to win re-election in the State House of Representatives District 78 race.
“I am honored to be reelected as Representative for House District 78,” Rushing said. “I will continue to be a conservative voice in Jackson, and also an advocate for Leake, Newton and Scott counties, as well as East Central Mississippi.”
State House of Representatives District 84
Troy Smith defeated Independent Roy May to win the State House of Representatives District 84 seat. In the primaries, Smith defeated incumbent William Shirley.
Smith said he plans to give Newton County “more representation and more support than it has had.”
“I would like to thank all of the voters of District 84 for their support in the election,” Smith said. “I will do my best to represent the district as best as I can and to continue to use a common sense approach to government.”
Justice Court Judge Place 2
Justin K. Chaney will be the new Justice Court Judge in Place 2. The Republican garnered nearly 55 percent of the vote while independent challenger Charlie Walker had 25 percent of the vote and Democratic opponent Greg Morgan had more than 20 percent of the vote.
Chaney will succeed interim Judge Raymond Powell, who was appointed by the Newton County Board of Supervisors to replace retiring Judge Mark McDonald.
Chaney said he is honored to represent the people of Newton County as Justice Court Judge.
“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received during the campaign,” Chaney said. “This has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life to get to meet so many of our residents. The candidates ran a clean race. I look forward to serving as Justice Court Judge.”
Chaney said the next step for him is to participate in several training classes in preparation for his term to begin in January.
Supervisors District 5
Republican Jacky Johnson defeated Democratic opponent Carroll Johnson and independent candidate Charles Scoggin to win the Newton County Beat 5 Supervisor’s position.
“I would like to thank all of the voters for their prayers and support during the election,” Jacky Johnson said. “I consider it an honor to serve and represent the people of Beat 5 and Newton County as supervisor. I look forward to working with you all.”
