Three Augusta commissioners held onto their seats Tuesday, while two newcomers will take office next year. The Augusta Judicial Circuit reelected District Attorney Jared Williams, but a superior court judgeship heads to a June 18 runoff between attorneys Charles Lyons and Matt Matson.
With 68 of 68 precincts fully reported but results not yet certified, Williams swamped challenger Amber Brantley with 67.69% or 16,702 votes, winning both Richmond and Burke counties and securing a second term as the circuit’s lead prosecutor.
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“Let me start by saying that I am not the victor in this race. God is,” Williams said in a statement. “I could not and did not do this on my own. God willed it, and the voters chose. To God and God alone be the glory.”
Williams thanked the nearly 17,000 who voted for him as well as the members of his office. He said he’ll continue efforts to reach youth before they enter the justice system.
“I vow to continue doing justice, loving mercy and leading humbly,” he said. “It is the honor of my life to serve in the place where I grew up. Burke County, Richmond County, I love you.”
At a watch party, Brantley thanked supporters of her vision for change for the office. She had 32.31% or 7,974 votes.
“I’m thankful to very voter that voted for me and took a leap of faith to believe in me, and the vision and goals I have for Richmond and Burke counties, for change and believing I can do the work,” she said.
In the election to replace retiring Judge Daniel J. Craig, Lyons garnered 43.83% or 12,470 votes over Matson’s 30.7% or 8,557 votes, but neither received the 50% plus one from the two counties needed to avoid a runoff. Third-place finisher Willie Saunders, the circuit’s chief juvenile court judge, had 26.1% or 7,426 votes.
Overall voter turnout in Richmond County was 21.87%, fewer than the 28.25% that participated in the 2022 election for mayor.
District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson showed his dominance over three challengers, including former Commissioner Matt Aitken.
In the uncertified results, Johnson avoided a runoff with 55.58% or 1,559 votes to Aitken’s 34.8% and Jo’Rae Jenkins’ 8.1%. Third-place finisher Kenny Osorio had around 1.5% or 41 votes.
Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight won a second term in District 3, sailing past challengers Carol J. Yancy and Joidaz Gaines with 68.44% or 2,724 votes. Yancy had 23.64% and Gaines received 7.91% of the vote.
Newcomer Don Clark accomplished an upset over incumbent Bobby Williams in the District 5 commission contest. Clark, a retired Army telecommunications chief, secured 52.82% or 1,901 votes to Williams’ 47.18% or 1,698 votes.
Lifelong resident Tina Slendak won District 7 with 63.15% or 2,372 votes over VA physician Marshall Bedder, who received 38.85% or 1,384 votes. Slendak will replace District 7 Commissioner Sean Frantom, who endorsed her and is term-limited.
Super District 9 incumbent Francine Scott easily withstood a challenge from former Commissioner Marion Williams. Scott received 64.28% or 7,941 votes to Williams’ 35.72% or 4,412 votes.
Staff writer Liz Wright contributed to this report.
