According to the Kentucky State Board of Election, voter turnout in Marshall County was 56.95% among the 25 counties in Tuesday’s General Election.
Marshall County Judge Executive Kevin Neal was elected to another term Tuesday by the voters of Marshall County, defeating democratic opponent Will Coursey.
“I know a lot of people in Marshall County and I think it was a message for the better candidate”, Neal said. “There’s been a lot of talk about partisan campaigns but really it’s not about the parties in my opinion, at the local level. It’s really about getting the right people in county government to do the job.”
In a Facebook live message, Coursey thanked his supporters and to his opponent in the Judge Executive race said, “I congratulate Judge Neal on the win and I wish him the very best, he and this new court and moving the county forward.”
Neal said it’s a message from the voters that has been received and it’s time to get to work.
“I’m proud to see the voters demonstrate how they take control of their elections”, Neal said. “I’m proud that they voted me back in. I know they gave me a Fiscal Court that will be able to get things accomplished.”
Neal will be joined on the Fiscal Court by three new commissioners. Justin Lamb (D) defeated Joshua Medley (R) in the 1st District, Kevin Spraggs (R) defeated incumbent Johnny Bowlin (D) in the 2nd District and Monti Collins (R) defeated incumbent Dr. Rick Cocke (D) in the 3rd District.
Collins, joined other Republicans at the Lakeland Event Center in Calvert Center as precincts were reported and concessions made.
“I was born in the first district, grew up in the second district and have lived in the third district for many years and have chosen to live in the third district the rest of my life and raise my kids”, Collins said, “Yes, I’ll represent the third district, but as commissioners, you’re making decisions that are not just about your district.”
A local Realtor, Collins said he has the advantage of selling Marshall County for a living, adding “I know why people move here and why they don’t and which geographic areas struggle a little bit more than others.”
“I’m thrilled…I’m humbled…because I absolutely love this county and I cannot wait to get started”, Collins added.
Neal said he was proud that the people in Marshall County, regardless of who their candidate was, exercised their right to vote and was proud to be a part of it and the process and added that as excited as he is to work with a new Fiscal Court, there is still work to do with some really big items the current court needs to decide.
“Thanks to all the candidates that ran”, Neal said. “No one really understands what it takes to run a campaign unless they’ve done it. It’s a lot of effort, a lot of work, and for anybody to step up and run…I applaud them for that. At the end of the day, I think the people have spoken loudly and I’m ready to get to work.”
More election results…
Jason Darnall (I) defeated Zachary Brien (D) for Marshall County Attorney
Eddie McGuire (R) defeated incumbent Kevin Byars (D) for Marshall County Sheriff
Michael Gordon (R) defeated Barry Dean Taylor (D) for Marshall County Coroner
Danny Carroll (R) incumbent defeated Julie Tennyson (D) for State Senate 2nd District
Chris Freeland (R) defeated Linda Story Edwards (D) for State Representative 6th District
Dennis Foust (I) defeated Mark Blankenship (I) for Commonwealth Attorney