Even Bobby Burkett was a little stunned at all the support he received Tuesday night at the polls.
Burkett, who spent 25 years working for Santa Rosa County, won decisively in a crowded field in the district 1 commission primary.
“I’m stunned at the amount of support that has come about,” Burkett said. “I just give God the glory. That’s all I can say.”
Both races were Republican primaries, but there’s no democratic opposition which leaves only long-shot write-in candidates Zachary Reinhart and Jason Hatfield as challengers on the ballot in November.
Burkett, the former head of code enforcement for the county, received 14,293 votes, or 52% of the vote, for a sizable victory over incumbent Sam Parker, who received 9,302 votes, or 34% of the vote. Aaron Williams received 2,825 votes, or 10%, to finish a distant third. The fourth challenger, Rollar Ayers, received 954 votes, or 3%.
Parker wasn’t the only incumbent commissioner voted out of office Tuesday. District 3 commissioner James Calkins was also defeated.
“People are ready for a change,” Burkett said. “And I feel like that’s what led to victory.”
Burkett said he’s ready to get to work for Santa Rosa County residents.
“I’m excited and ready to get to work and make a change for the better for our community, our county,” he said. “Something we can leave for our children to be proud of and our grandchildren. That’s why I did this, for my grandchildren.”
Parker, Williams and Ayers could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday night.
