By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Union City, Tenn.—For the first time in its history, Obion County voters elected a Republican sheriff, as Karl Jackson won with 33 percent of the votes.
Jackson is currently a Martin Police Officer and beat Chief Deputy Kent Treece by only 200 votes to win the election. Current Sheriff Jerry Vastbinder is retiring, which opened up a five-man race for the position. Treece was running as an Independent.
Final results were released late last night after the Obion County Election Commission’s website crashed.
The breakdown in the final unofficial tally: Jackson, 2,465 votes; Treece, 2,265; John Davis (Independent), 1,716; Kenny Craig (Democrat), 543; Darrell “Cut” Davis (Independent), 345 votes.
Jackson will begin serving as sheriff September 1.
Jackson and his family are from Rives and Jackson thanked everyone for their “overwhelming support and encouragement.” Jackson said,”It has been a pleasure to meet so many wonderful people, as we visited, shared ideas, and listen to their concerns. Although our campaign team started out small, I am truly humbled and honored with the way it has grown.”
In other major races in Obion County, long-time County Mayor Benny McGuire was elected to his fourth term with 51 percent of the votes. He was facing challenges from Samburg Mayor John Glessner and Obion Co. Deputy Kevin Bowden. All three were running as Independents. The breakdown: McGuire, 3,810; Glessner, 1,884; and Bowden, 1,505.
With the retirement of Register of Deeds Vicki Long, a three-person race opened for that position, with Republican Cheryl Reddin winning the election with 44 percent of the votes. The breakdown: Redden, 3,311; Shelly Long, 3.049; and Delilah Eaves, 778.
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