Houston County’s Election Results: Voters approve local sales tax, elect three posts in Board of Education

30,000 registered voters showed up to the polls in early voting and on Election Day, making their voices heard on several key local, state and national races ahead of the November general election.

The Houston County Board of Education held three elections for posts two, four and six. Posts two and six went back to incumbents.

Lori Johnson won her election with 69% of the vote against challenger Courtney Driver.

Johnson has served on the Board of Education since September 2015.

Driver, a parent to a fourth-grade student, ran under a platform of communication between parents and school district leadership.

In a statement sent to the Houston Home Journal, she said that while the results weren’t what she wanted, she was proud of the conversations her campaign started. She hopes that discussing concerns, such as bullying, will lead to change in how the board communicates with families and responds to concerned parents.

“We brought forward real concerns from parents who want to feel heard, respected and included in decisions that impact their children’s education,” Driver said. “This work has never been about a title for me. It has always been about advocating for students, supporting parents and strengthening our schools.”

The Houston Home Journal reached out to Johnson for comment but they did not respond by deadline.

Post six went back to Mark Ivory, who garnered 63% of the vote over opponent Andy Thomas.

Ivory said he’s ecstatic to continue his tenure on the Board of Education and very proud of those who supported him throughout the election. 

“I’m very excited that the people elected me and look forward to continuing the work that I started,” Ivory said. 

Ivory thanked everybody during an interview with The Journal, those who voted for him and those who didn’t. 

Ivory said voting gives you a voice, and if you don’t vote, you have no voice. He added that no matter what the election is, he believes that the public should get out and vote.

“We don’t all have to agree, but you still need to get your voice heard,” Ivory said. 

His opponent Thomas said he was disappointed in the results, as well as the overall voter turnout.

“Moving forward, my goal will be to publicly speak to groups to get parents to educate their children that every time there is an opportunity to vote, you have to vote,” Thomas said. 

Thomas said that he has learned quite a lot from campaigning. 

“I had so much fun, and I’m forever thankful,” Thomas said. 

Post four results were a bit of a shake-up. Incumbent Jon Nichols was defeated by Sheila Ashley, who won with 65% of the vote.

Ashley isn’t the only newcomer. She joins Angel Bowen Brown, who was appointed to the board in April after Helen Hughes resigned from post five in March.

Ashley, a senior pastor at Total Agape Healing and Deliverance Ministries, said she was grateful and humbled to be elected. She said her election is a sign that she is following a divine calling.

She thanked all her supporters, some of whom were spread nationally and internationally. Her platform highlighted representation for students with disabilities, community engagement, transparency, anti-bullying strategy and connecting with families.

“I feel like it’s a win for all of Houston County,” Ashley said. “I’m very grateful to God, very grateful to the voters and I’m excited about working with the board.”

Like Thomas, Nichols was also disappointed in the results. He said not being able to continue serving on the Board of Education hurts, but he is excited about his future, even if it’s unknown. 

“Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve the citizens and the school district of Houston County. It’s been an honor and very humbling,” Nichols said. 

Nichols has served on the board since January 2022. He said he learned a lot from being on the board and is still proud to call Houston County home. 

“The opportunity to serve is great and I’ve been thankful for what I’ve learned,” Nichols said.

The Floating Local Option Sales Tax was also on the ballot, and it passed with over 60% of the vote. 

The FLOST is a 1% sales tax on purchases in Houston County, Perry and Warner Robins. Revenues are meant to offset property taxes.

Chairman Dan Perdue said its passing is a signal from voters that they are ready for lower property taxes. He thanked the voters for their trust in the county and neighboring cities. 

“We at Houston County fully intend to use these dollars to reduce the millage rate at whatever the amount allows us to,” Perdue said. “I look forward to being able to deliver that to the people of Houston County and lower property taxes in the future.” 

The primary election had mostly uncontested races for the Georgia House of Representatives, with local incumbents Shaw Blackmon and Bethany Ballard on the Republican ticket.

However, on the Democrat side, two candidates vied for District 147, currently held by Ballard.

Renita Duncan edged out ahead with 81% of the vote against Tim Riley, and will challenge Ballard in the November general election.

Riley, in a statement, said he was grateful for the people who voted for him and the support he received throughout his campaign.

Riley, a former therapist, worked from the prison system to state hospitals, those suffering from addiction, and the homeless. He said he has always been called to fight for disenfranchised populations.

He will continue working on an advisory board with Buttons and Threads, a thrift store that donates its proceeds to homeless outreach.

“I see the light in people, the love in people and the good in people. It has been my pleasure and blessing to serve,” Riley said.

The Journal attempted to contact Duncan, who did not respond by deadline.

See the full numbers from state, local and national races below.