Ron Gore captures commission seat

By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

It was a long and hard fought race for the District 7 County Commission seat that ended in a victory for Democrat Ronald Gore Tuesday.

Gore with 1,299 votes defeated Republican challenger Sammy Hinson who earned 975 votes.

Both candidates were at the Columbus County Board of Elections Tuesday night to watch the election results as they rolled in. Both candidates’ upbeat campaign demeanor turned to intense contemplation with both showing signs of fatigue. Gore and Hinson kept relatively quiet, surrounded by their respective supporters, while waiting for the outcome of the most highly contested county commission race.

“I can take a deep breath,” Gore said. “I really didn’t know what to expect.

“I had some indication it was going to be a real close race.”

Gore said he and his opponent Hinson had worked hard and described it as a “well run race.”

“It was closer than I wanted,” Gore admitted. “I want to thank everyone that got out, voted and (have) given me an opportunity to make a difference for all of the people of Columbus County.”

“Ricky Bullard, who won the District 6 commissioner seat, is going to be an asset to the board along with the others,” Gore added. “Ricky has a lot of the same conservative ideas as I do.”

“I ran a good race,” Hinson said. “I ran on the issues. I think the issues I ran on need to be addressed,” he added. “I wish Ron Gore the best.

“I want everyone in the district stand behind him,” Hinson, who congratulated Gore with a handshake after the election, explained. “All of us working together can fix some of the ills the county has.”

Gore, 55, is employed with Columbus County Schools, resides in Nakina with his wife Rita, and attends Seven Creeks Baptist Church. The couple has two children, Ronald “Gene” Gore Jr., 34, and Kevin Duval Gore, 30.