Harrison County elects new circuit clerk and justice court judge. Here’s who won.

Margaret Baker
·1 min read

Harrison County voters elected a new circuit clerk and District 4 Justice Court judge Tuesday, according to unofficial election returns.

Justin Wetzel, a Republican and longtime employee of the Harrison County Circuit Clerk’s office, defeated former Harrison County Justice Court judge and Independent candidate Melvin Ray.

According to unofficial election results, Wetzel garnered 22,197 votes with Ray pulling in 15,976 votes.

Wetzel is replacing retiring Harrison County Circuit Clerk Connie Ladner. Ladner and former Harrison County Circuit Clerk Gayle Parker endorsed Wetzel for the job.

Wetzel currently serves as chief deputy of finance at the Circuit Clerk’s office.

In the race for Harrison County Justice Court judge in Place 4, longtime public defender and Democratic contender Theressia Lyons won, defeating Independent candidates John “Jake” Cook and James Griffin.

In unofficial returns, Lyons received 3,988 votes with Griffin and Cook lagging far behind.

In her pitch for the job, Lyons pointed to her longtime work in public service and her “unique experience of being both the sword and the shield of justice” in Harrison County.