CLEBURNE – Kenny Howell appeared to be at work just moments after learning Tuesday he had won the Republican nomination to fill the unexpired term for Johnson County Precinct 2 commissioner.
He had a short conversation with County Judge Roger Harmon inside the commissioner's courtroom, as members of his family and campaign celebrated outside Tuesday evening.
Howell was elected to serve in the seat formerly held by John Matthews a year to the day after the funeral of his father, Billy Howell. That's about how long he has had to campaign for the seat.
“This is for him,” he said.
He was defeated in his first bid for the seat in 2010 by Matthews, but Howell drew upon support from his father in that election. He avoided a runoff by collecting more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday. He collected 1,284 votes, edging Eddy Bransom (852 votes) in his third run for the seat and Kirk Carrell (357 votes).
“I'm wore out. I politicked harder than I ever have,” Howell said. “This moment makes it worth it. I'm ready to serve as soon as they are ready to swear me in.”
Howell will not face a Democratic opponent. It is unclear whether he would be immediately seated on the court, or if appointed Commissioner Troy Thompson will continue to serve until January.
The commissioner's court could have no other changes. Jerry Stringer won re-election in Precinct 3 by collecting more than 60 percent of the vote, defeating Tom
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There were no surprises at the top of the Johnson County ballots for both parties. Democratic electors gave incumbent President Barack Obama 88.1 percent of the vote. Republicans gave frontrunner Mitt Romney 68.9 percent of the vote, with his closest challenger, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, taking 11.9 percent. Before election day returns were released, Romney had collected his party's national nomination Tuesday.
A majority of Johnson County incumbents were unopposed on the Republican ballot and won't face Democractic challengers. District Judges Bill Bosworth and John Neill, along with District Attorney Dale Hanna and County Attorney Bill Moore will return to their positions without a challenge.
“I'm humbled and honored to be able to serve another four years,” Bosworth said. “I want to continue to work hard to apply the rules and see that justice is done.”
Sheriff Bob Alford won another unopposed term.
“I'm looking forward to it,” he said. “We have a lot of plans for improvements, as we always do. I'm thankful for the support of the people and I'm truly blessed with great staff.”
Debbie Rice won her first election as county treasurer. She was unopposed for that unexpired term. Also, County Tax Assessor-Collector Scott Porter was unopposed.
“I'm looking forward to serving the residents of Johnson County,” Porter said. “You are always trying to improve your office and provide better service for residents of the county.”
Also in Precinct 2, Constable Adam Crawford withstood a challenge from Tarrant County deputy George Reynolds. Mike White won re-election in the Precinct 3 constable's race and Matt Wylie will face Curtis Jones in a runoff for Precinct 1 constable.
Former Cleburne Mayor Justin Hewlett was able to secure the support of his home county, but it wasn't enough to qualify for the runoff in the packed U.S. House District 25 seat. Roger Williams took 25.1 percent of the vote, followed by Wes Riddle with 14.6 percent. Hewlett was third in the race with 12.0 percent of the vote. Elaine Henderson is the Democractic nominee for the seat.
Bill Flores took 84.6 percent of the vote in his re-election bid in U.S. House District 17. He will represent Johnson County through January, when the District 25 selection will take over.
Brian Birdwell will face Democrat Lyndon Laird in the general election for the state Senate District 22 seat. Rob Orr was unopposed for another term in the state House District 58 seat.
“By not having opposition, it has given me the opportunity to begin the legislative agenda process much earlier for the people of the district,” Orr said. “I'm appreciative for another term.”
Democratic Party Chair Bill Conover and Republican Party Chair Henry Teich were unopposed for their seats.
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