Taylor and OCH Big Winners in Tuesday Special Election

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – In what is being described as “moderate to heavy” turnout, particularly for a special election, Oktibbeha County voters headed to the polls Tuesday.  4 offices were on the ballot, but a referendum on the future OCH Regional Medical Center seemed to be the main draw.

Up for grabs were the Circuit and Chancery Clerk positions, as well as the District 1 Constable position, and the recently vacated District 38 seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Five people were vying for the Circuit Clerk’s job, left open by the resignation of Glenn Hamilton.  And voters will have to head back to the polls for a run-off between Teresa Davis and Tony Rook.

The Chancery Clerk position will also be decided in that November 28th rematch.  Sharon Livingston and Martesa Flowers were the top 2 vote getters, but neither received a majority.

In the District 38 House Race, Cheikh Taylor won outright against challengers Narissa Bradford and former Starkville Alderwoman Lisa Wynn.  Taylor will succeed longtime Representative Tyrone Ellis, who retired earlier this year.

Also on the ballot was a referendum to determine the fate of the OCH Regional Medical Center.  County residents have been divided on whether the hospital should remain a county-owned entity or if Supervisors should be given the go-ahead to start looking for potential buyers.  Those in favor of keeping the hospital local came out on top by just over 1600 votes.

As of Tuesday night, there are still just over 200 affidavit votes to be counted in Oktibbeha County. They will be tallied Wednesday morning beginning at 8:45.

Voters in Calhoun County also went to the polls to select a Supervisor for District One.  Charles Bobo emerged the winner from a 3 man pack, taking roughly 67% of the vote.