CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Wes Golden has claimed victory in the Montgomery County mayor’s Republican primary, after doubling opponent Wallace Redd‘s totals in early and absentee votes.
“I feel very humbled. I have so much support from our community,” Golden told Clarksville Now. “We’ve had so much support through this whole campaign, and humbled is the best word that can describe how I feel right now.”
Golden won the primary with 5,927 votes. Redd had 2,830.
As for what’s next, he said, “Tonight, we’re going to take a break and celebrate. And tomorrow we’re not going to be looking back at this win, we’re going to be looking at the work we need to do for the next win coming up on August the 4th.”
Golden will face independent Jo Ellen “Jodi” O’Connor in August.
Redd called Golden Tuesday night and congratulated him on the win.
Of Redd, Golden said in his speech to the crowd, “He has worked very hard during this campaign, as we have, and he has served our community for a long time, and I’m sure he’ll continue to serve this community.” He then encouraged a round of applause for Redd.
“Let me just say thank you to all those who voted for me, and all those that voted for me and not me,” Redd told Clarksville Now. “And let me say thank you to all those that volunteered for my campaign, and I feel like the voters have spoken for both sides, between Wes Golden and myself, and they chose Wes. And Helga and I will be praying for him as our next mayor.”
With County Mayor Jim Durrett not running for re-election, the seat is open, and Golden and Redd were competing for the Republican nomination.
MORE: Election results: Here are final totals for Montgomery County mayor, district attorney, judge races
About the candidates
Golden, the current Health and Safety manager for the City of Clarksville, previously served as a firefighter and licensed emergency medical technician with Clarksville Fire Rescue. In addition to his six years as a first responder, Golden worked in environmental health and safety at Martinrea, where he was placed over safety for all of Martinrea’s U.S. production facilities. He also worked in safety and loss prevention at the former Dow Corning facility in Clarksville.
Redd has served terms on both the Clarksville City Council and the Montgomery County Commission. Redd served in the Army starting in 1978, including at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division. Redd has served on the Republican Party State Executive Committee and as the parliamentarian for the Montgomery County Republican Party. The Redd family manages a residential rental business, Redd Properties. Redd is also pastor at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Woodlawn.
Lee Erwin contributed to this report.
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