Jackson County Voters Decide Key Local Races

The polls have closed and the votes have been counted, but election night did not unfold without challenges. A thunderstorm swept through Jackson County before the polls closed, causing power and internet disruptions that slowed the release of results. Supervisor of Elections Carol Dunaway and her staff remained calm and worked steadily through the difficulties.

In the closest local contest, challenger Sonny Fortunato defeated incumbent Edward Crutchfield in the race for Jackson County Commission District 2. According to unofficial election-night totals, Fortunato received 872 votes to Crutchfield's 793.

The final precinct to report proved decisive. At the Alford Community Center, Fortunato received 316 votes, while Crutchfield received 136.

In the District 1 School Board race, incumbent Chephus Granberry won reelection with 857 votes, or 54%, defeating challenger Christopher King, who received 730 votes, or 46%.

The District 5 School Board race will be decided in the November general election. Phyllis T. Daniels led the three-candidate field with 993 votes, or 49.18%. Michael "MJ" Jackson received 559 votes, or 27.69%, and political newcomer Danielle Walker received 467 votes, or 23.13%.

Because no candidate received a majority of the vote, Daniels and Jackson, the top two finishers, will advance to the November ballot.

Regional and statewide results are featured in a separate article in this week's edition of the Times.