Lorna DeLoach, a legal assistant, and Charles Aaron, a local attorney, will face off July 26 in a runoff election to become Bulloch County’s next probate judge.

A close race as vote totals were counted all night, Deloach pulled in 3,197 votes to Aaron’s 2,906.

Their numbers surpassed former principal Marty Waters (2,095 votes); police investigator Kevin Wadley (871) and veteran Lonnie Ellis, who garnered 438 votes.

“I am so thankful for the support I received from the citizens of Bulloch County,” DeLoach said. “It is the best county to live in, and I am so tickled they looked at the person and experience.”
She said it is now time to take the next step to prepare for the runoff July 26.
“I think we are ready,” she said. “I am excited and look forward to July.”

Aaron said he is enthusiastic about the next challenge as well.

“Although it would have been nice to win outright, we appreciate everyone who came out and voted,” he said “We will get back on the campaign trail, and I look forward to July 26.”

Current Probate Judge Lee DeLoach decided not to run again after 30 years in the position, opening up the opportunity for Aaron and DeLoach.

Waters, who came in third, said “I want to thank Billy Hickman and Marie Waters who worked on my campaign, all the supporters in Bulloch County and the best of wishes for Lorna and Charlie. I would also like to thank the other candidates for an honest and clean campaign – Bulloch County was the benefactor.”

“We were really surprised at the numbers,” Wadley said. “We were thinking there would be a larger turnout. It looks like Lorna (was the winner in the primary) – we congratulate her, and wish her the best. There will definitely be a runoff between her and Charlie Aaron, and I feel each would serve Bulloch County very well. We want to congratulate them both.”

Ellis, in spite of finishing last, was in good spirits about the race, claiming he had fun and enjoyed making new acquaintances.

“There are no mulligans in life,” he said. “We play the game to the end, which is what I did. I’ll pack up my bag, go home, fine tune my game and come back stronger the next time. Congratulations to Lorna and Charlie and to the fine citizens of Bulloch County – thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the community and play the game.”

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.