Sheriff Richie Simmons cruises to victory
By Kelly Bledsoe
kellybledsoe@triad.rr.com
Republican Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons cruised to victory over retired law enforcement
officer Mike James receiving 78.55% of the vote. With no Democrat filing, Simmons will be unopposed on the Nov. 8 general
election ballot as he seeks a second term.
Simmons and his dedicated campaign staff awaited the results at Larry Furr
presents Southern Theater and event Center last week. Simmons addressed his faithful volunteers saying, “It means the
world to me that the citizens of Davidson County chose to elect me again as their Sheriff. Someone asked how I managed to
win by such a landslide and the answer is simple: to God be the glory. He brought an amazing group of people together to support
and aid me through this entire journey.”
Despite several months of delay, the 2022 primary elections are now officially
over. Filing for candidates was suspended in December due to a lawsuit challenging the state’s redrawn electoral maps.
In February, the N.C Supreme Court resumed filing and set the new municipal election and 2022 primary election for May 17.
Sheriff Simmons admits, “It’s difficult to campaign and be the Sheriff at the same time and I couldn’t
have done this without the help of each and every person on my support team. In a society that consistently tries to break
us apart, I’m blessed that we, the people of Davidson County, were able to work together and succeed. It’s been
a tough four years but I’m excited to utilize my experience and continue working toward making Davidson County a better
and safer place.”
The following are the some of the primary results for Davidson County Board of Commissioners,
NC Senate District 30; NC House of Representatives District 80, and NC House District 81. For a complete listing of primary
results visit the Davidson County Board of Elections at https://votedavidsoncountync.com.
The top four Republican candidates
with the highest votes who will be on the ballot during the 2022 General Election in November are Chris Elliott, Matt Mizell,
Karen Watford, and Steve Shell.
Tonya Lanier was the only democratic candidate that filed for Davidson County Board of
Commissioners and will be on the ballot in the 2022 General Election in November.
Steve Jarvis won the Republican vote
for NC Senate District 30. Monique Johnson was the only democratic candidate to file for N.C. Senate District 30 Seat.
Sam Watford (I) was the only Republican candidate to file for NC House District 80 and Dennis S. Miller was the only Democratic
candidate to file for the seat. They will be competing against each other in the 2022 General Election in November.
Incumbent
Larry Potts was the only Republican candidate to file. Joe Lewis Watkins Jr. was the only Democratic candidate to file for
NC House of Representatives District 81. They will compete against each other in the 2022 General Election in November.
Ted Budd secured the US Senate Republican nomination and will face Cheri Beasley in the 2022 General Election.
UNCONTESTED
RACES: Sandie Tysinger Chappell, Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court and Garry W. Frank Davidson County District Attorney.
Sheriff Simmons would like to say, “Thank you to everyone who continues to give me their utmost support. I’m
truly humbled by this and will continue to fulfill God’s will and give Him full recognition. My name may be on the shirt
but the men and women that work for me are the fabric.”