The votes have been counted and in the two most anticipated races in Anderson County, both ended up being blowouts. First…… Anderson County Republican voters selected current Undersheriff Wes McClain as their choice for Sheriff in the primary election yesterday, August 6. McClain garnered 896 votes to Mark Locke’s 207. McClain will run unopposed in the November general election, however, current Anderson County Deputy Rob Smith will be waging a write in campaign for the office. County Sheriff Vern Valentine announced earlier in the year that he would not be running for reelection and would retire at the end of his current term.
The Anderson County Attorney race, also won by a wide margin. Voters selected newcomer Steve Wilson for the position by a 783 to 33 vote count over incumbent Elizabeth Oliver, who won a four way Republican primary in 2020 for her term in office. Garnett City and Anderson County law enforcement criticized her about her style and plea agreements in various cases as well as not maintaining regular office hours. Wilson, a Garnett native, returned to the community last year after a law career. He was appointed to the vacancy as Garnett Municipal Judge earlier this year and immediately began a crackdown on courtroom protocol. He will run unopposed in the November general election.
