BENTON – Melonie Chambers has won the Democratic Primary in Marshall County as she moves on to run in the November general election for the office of County Judge Executive.
Chambers, who also currently serves as Deputy County Judge Executive, has been employed in county government for more than 31 years working in the office of the County Judge Executive under former JE Mike Miller for the majority of his 40-year term.
Chambers ran a campaign centered on her years of experience and qualifications for the position which included a lengthy list of current appointments to numerous boards and committees, as well as an expansive list of community service.
Having been named Deputy Judge Executive four years ago, Chambers said Judge Miller gave her the position because, “With that responsibility, it was understood that if anything were to happen to him, I was to step into that position,” which proved necessary after his unexpected passing last December.
Chambers served in that capacity until Governor Steve Beshear appointed Miller’s wife Chyrill to fulfill the position until the November general election. Chambers has outlined several priorities including potable water, the need for an industrial park and completion of the Riverport Project.
She will face Republican candidate Kevin Neal in the fall. Write-in candidates could also choose to run on the November ballot, with the deadline for entry set at October 23rd.
If successful in her bid for the office, Chambers would be the first female elected to the office of County Judge Executive in Marshall County.
With all 25 precincts reporting and absentee ballots, the following totals have been reported:
(D) Melonie Chambers – 1,346 (26%) Winner
(D) Troy English – 1,278 – (23%)
(D) Jeanne Lovett – 1,158 – (21%)
(D) Chris Freeland – 826 – (15%)
(D) Rory Brewer – 700 – (13%)
(D) Charlie Hatchett – 133 – (2%)