The Democratic Party held a social gathering on Super Tuesday at ETX Brewing Co. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The primary elections in the Smith County Commissioner race ended with close competition between the incumbents and their opponents.

According to unofficial results, Incumbent Terry Phillips and J. Scott Herod will compete in a runoff on May 28. The runoff winner will face Democratic nominee Edith Wilson.

Meanwhile, Precinct 1 incumbent Pam Frederick faced a close defeat by Christina Drewry.

These are unofficial results until mail-in ballots postmarked March 5 are collected, and all votes are canvassed in about two weeks.

Voters who didn’t participate in the primary can still vote in the runoff election. Additionally, people who voted in the primary must vote for the same party in the runoff.

Precinct 3

With only 22% of registered voters turning during the primary election, many people leave their opinions unheard. Herod is running against a fourth-term incumbent in a runoff, treating it like a new campaign and working to motivate voters to return to the polls on May 28.

In the primary election, Herod got 2,968 votes or 44.25%, and Phillips got 2,141 or 31.92%.

“We’ve already got a good base of support,” Herod said. We’re going to do what we’ve done well: talk to the people, and I will continue to make myself available.”

When Herod decided to run for county commissioner, his primary focus was serving his community, which remains his priority. He will continue to encourage people to get involved and engage in the precinct.

Herod said people must understand their voting options, as the runoff election will take place the day after Memorial Day weekend.

“In May, when everybody’s getting ready for summer, it’s difficult. It always has been for runoff elections,” Phillips said.

Phillips wasn’t surprised by the 22% voter turnout, but people must exercise their right to vote. He said he must work harder to turn the voter in the runoff.

Very close margins sometimes determine local races, he said.

“You can’t tell me every vote doesn’t count,” Phillips said. “It’s just so important. I can’t stress it enough.”

With his proven conservative record and having worked against every tax increase that’s been proposed since he was sworn in if voters want to maintain a conservative voice on the Commissioners Court that isn’t going to waiver, Phillips said he’s that person.

“I’m not going to change my conservative values,” Phillips said. “I’d like them to judge me and me only and hold me accountable for what I’ve done, not for anybody else.”

Democrat candidate Wilson defeated her opponent, Dave Hansen, with 775 votes, or 75.17%.

As the numbers were reported, Wilson questioned whether her lead was real. Now, she said, moving forward, she’ll have to work harder to turn out the vote.

“Those numbers are a little low as far as Democratic votes, and I think that they should be higher,” Wilson said. I will have to work on trying to get more voters out.”

People not participating in democracy can’t complain about the county’s condition. Her plan till November is to get in touch with people who didn’t vote and determine what stopped them.

“Get out and vote because your voice cannot be heard unless you go and express your preferred person,” Wilson said.

Precinct 1

On the evening of Election Night, Drewry and her family celebrated completing the campaign and watched the results. She received many texts and phone calls from people keeping her updated.

“I was just very excited,” Drewry said. “That was a nail-biter.”

Drewry got 4,630 votes or 50.52%, and Frederick got 4,535 or 49.48%.

“It’s tough to beat an incumbent,” Drewry said. I’m just so glad that the voters showed up and expressed their opinion at the polls.”

Drewry aims to build relationships with department heads, integrate resources from other counties, and establish a citizens’ review board before her Jan. 2025 inauguration.

Frederick said with four out of five voters failing to cast a ballot, the lack of interest people have in government leadership is concerning.

“I ran an honest campaign based on experience and integrity,” Frederick said.

Frederick said that despite her disappointment, she will continue to do her job as Pct. 1 Commissioner with honor and integrity, focusing on her priorities and accomplishing as much as she can through the end of the year.

“Then I will figure out God’s plan for me next,” Frederick said. “I appreciate all of the support from the people who understand the job and the need for someone with honest integrity and experience to do what’s right for our county.”