There were no major — or even minor — surprises in the August 1st round of elections in Shelby County.
In the only county general race on the ballot, Democratic nominee Tami Sawyer defeated Republican nominee Lisa Arnold by 40,383 votes to 34,563 for the position of General Sessions clerk.
In the tightest race on the state and federal portion of the ballot, for the Democratic nomination for the open District 96 state representative seat, Gabby Salinas eked out a close win over runner-up Telisa Franklin, 2,168 votes to 2,036.
Others, with their vote totals, were Eric Dunn, 397; David Winston, 281; and Orrden Williams Jr., 52.
There being no Republican candidate on the November 5th ballot, Salinas becomes, ipso facto, the state Representative-elect.
In the Democratic primary for United States Senate, Gloria Johnson, state representative of Knoxville, overcame runner-up Marquita Bradshaw, a Memphian who had been an upset winner of a previous Senate primary four years ago.
Votes statewide were: Johnson, 22,255; Bradshaw, 16,857; Lola Denise Brown, 3,585; and Civil Millder-Watkins, 1,875.
In November, Johnson will oppose incumbent Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who won her primary with ease over Tres Wittum. The margin in Shelby was 25,2001 to 2,566.
In the Democratic primary for the 9th District U.S. representative seat, incumbent Steve Cohen easily won renomination. Votes were: Cohen, 29,818; Corey Strong, 7,115; M. Latroy A-Williams, 1,928; Kassandra L. Smith, 1,507.
Cohen will be opposed in November by Republican Charlotte Berman, who was unopposed in her primary.
In the Democratic primary for the 8th District congressional seat, Sarah Freeman won nomination with 2,661 votes. Others were: LunetteWilliams with 905 votes; Brenda Woods, 824; Leonard Perkins, 538; and Lawrence A. Pivnick, 762.
In November, Freeman will oppose incumbent Republican Rep. David Kustoff, who was unopposed in his primary.
In the Republican primary for state representative, District 97, incumbent John Gillespie defeated Christina Oppenhuizen, 4,910 votes to 236. He will be opposed in November by Democrat Jesse Huseth, who was unopposed in his primary.
In the Democratic primary for state representative, District 84, incumbent Joe Towns defeated Vernell Williams, 2,321 votes to 461.
In the Democratic primary for state representative, District 93, incumbent Rep. G.A. Hardaway defeated LaShanta Rudd, 2,209 votes to 730.
More results to come, including Shelby County School Board races.
