Candidates and area residents gathered at the Pike County Courthouse Tuesday night around a large screen TV to watch state numbers come in. Then, the probate judge’s office flashed the Pike County numbers on the screen, as well.

Joey Jackson, first time candidate, won the Republican primary for the District 6 commission seat Tuesday night in Pike County by 53.81 percent of the votes, according to unofficial numbers released by the probate judge’s office. “I’m just thankful,” Jackson said while he was at the courthouse to watch returns.

“I am glad for all the people who supported me. I just want to do a good job.”

Jackson qualified as a Republican and  Democrat Doristine Sankey is running against him in the November general election.

“I felt strong at three of the boxes,” Jackson said. “I was hopeful, but a little surprised. I can’t even express the gratitude I feel for everyone who voted for me.” Jackson ran against incumbent Oren Fannin and fellow newcomer Jeff Knight.

District 5 has a new commissioner. Incumbent Democrat Charlie Harris won against Isabell “Fronnie” Boyd with 62.84 percent of the votes, according to unofficial numbers. Harris is unopposed in the general election.

As the numbers began to come in, it looked as if District 3 commission incumbent Jimmy Barron might be ousted. But, by the final unofficial tally, Barron won against Mike Hall by 66.44 percent of the votes cast and will face off against Democrat Samuel Lewis in the general election in November. “

It’s bittersweet,” said Barron, whose sister died a few days ago. “My mind has been on my family, but I am happy about the results tonight.”

Barron said he was confident as voters went to the polls today because the response he’d heard from door-to-door canvassing was positive.

“People said they were satisfied with the job I was doing,” Barron said. “I’ve been blessed that people supported me. The support was overwhelming.”

For the District 4 commission seat, Ryan Flowers beat Brett Vann with 57.97 percent of the votes and will go head-to-head with Democratic incumbent Ray Goodson in the general election.

Clint Foster, Ph.D. received 64.33 percent of the votes and won against Herbert Reynolds for the District 5 Pike County Board of Education spot. He has no opponent in the general election.

Jim Knight, with 70 percent of the votes in District 6, beat Ken Styron and will be on the ballot again in November. Knight will be up against District 6 board of education incumbent Chris Wilkes.

“I would like to thank all the voters that took the time to go out and vote today, the 110 of you who were counted today and the others that are to be counted later,” Styron said. “Congratulations to Jim Knight.”

Also on the ballot, the self-governance referendum did not pass with more than 74 percent of the votes being, “No.”

Probate Judge Wes Allen said, although he doesn’t have official numbers, reports of voters were light this election. “Other than that, things went well,” Allen said. “It was a good night. The election process is neat to watch and it’s a joy to serve.”