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A run-off is needed to determine who will represent District 5 on the Troup County Commission.

Norma Tucker and Jimmy McCamey received the most votes during Tuesday night’s special election as they bested a group of five candidates. Tucker received 265 votes, or 35% of the vote and McCamey received 245 votes, or 32%, of the vote. Ernest Ward had the third-most votes with 114 votes, or 15 percent. Kendall Butler had 84 votes and Travis Hart finished with 49 votes.

Both Tucker and McCamey noted they are grateful for those who voted in this election. Both encouraged voters to vote once more to help them obtain the commission seat.

“We’re looking forward to getting out and campaigning some more,” Tucker said.

The winner will take over the seat held for more than 40 years by Richard English, who died earlier this year.

Tucker, who once served on the LaGrange City Council, said she aided in English’s campaign when she was a teenager, but never would have thought she would hold the seat he obtained for decades.

“I always imagined myself as a campaign supporter, someone doing the legwork, but I never imagined my name being on the signs,” she said. “It’s so amazing to think I’m just one more election away from the possibility of helping push Troup County forward.”

McCamey said he felt like all candidates ran a good race and he was looking forward to the run-off.

“I’ve known her for years, and we will continue to be cordial, but I want to beat her,” he laughed.

McCamey said if he is elected he wants to push housing opportunities on Hamilton Road and Whitesville Road as well as work with the city to better education in the area.

Ward congratulated Tucker and McCamey.

“An election is what an election is, it’s the voice of the people,” he said. “I messaged all the candidates earlier to say that, regardless of who wins this race, it’s still going to take all five of us to bring about the changes that need to occur in District 5.”

Hart said he was happy for Tucker and McCamey.

“I commend each candidate for reaching out to see that that seat was taken care of properly,” Hart said. “I’ve learned a lot and I do plan to run away.”

Butler sent the LDN a statement via text.

“You don’t gain new skills unless you take uncomfortable challenges,” Butler said. “You don’t make giant leaps forward without stretching yourself by taking risks. You can’t make a difference until you become vulnerable and share beliefs, visions, and goals.  You may not always win, but you can always have an impact. I pray we continue to have passionate discussions around ideas for improvement.”

Early voting times for the Nov. 30 runoff election have not yet been announced.