Three newcomers were among the top five vote-getters in the race for Chilton County Commission.

On Tuesday, Chilton County voters selected the top seven commission candidates out of 12 Republican candidates to advance to the General Election in November.

The top seven Republican vote earners will advance to the November General Election, where they could still face opposition from Democrat and Independent candidates.

The top seven commission candidate vote earners were Joseph Parnell (8,383 or 12 percent), Greg Moore (8,018 or 11.5 percent), Jimmie Hardee (7,424 or 10.7 percent), Steve Langston (6,760 or 9.7 percent), Matt Mims (6,601 or 9.5 percent), Joe Headley (6,149 or 8.8 percent) and Allen Caton (5,562 or 8 percent), according to unofficial results.

Other results included Shannon Welch (5,485 or 7.9 percent), Jason Pierce (4,928 or 7.1 percent), Jay Smitherman (4,439 or 6.4 percent), Shane Ogle (3,507 or 5 percent) and Jeremy Smith (2,383 or 3.4 percent).

Provisional ballots must be counted before results are final.

Newcomer Hardee said he is honored to be able to serve the people of Chilton County.

“This is just the first step in the right direction because we still have November,” Hardee said. “I am excited though. I have said all along that either way, I am blessed because I will be getting God’s perfect will. I put my trust in God, and he is the reason I am here today.”

Mims said he wanted to thank all of his supporters, and he decided to run for commission to make Chilton County a better place to raise his kids and grandkids. This is my first time running for anything in my life,” Mims said. “My first time as a politician.”

Incumbent Moore said he was flattered to receive the votes from residents in Chilton County.

“I try my best to serve people in this county the best that I can,” Moore said. “To all my supporters who got out and voted for me today, I really appreciate them and I won’t let them down.”

If elected in November, this will be Moore’s third term on the commission.

Incumbent Caton said he wanted to thank everyone who voted for him.

“I had people calling me and telling me they were praying for me today, and that meant a lot,” Caton said.

If elected in November, this will be Caton’s third term on the commission.

Incumbent Headley said he was thankful for the support he received from his voters and looks forward to running in November.

If elected in November, Headley will also have served three terms on the commission.

Incumbent Parnell said he was very thankful for the support from voters.

“I am looking forward to working for a better Chilton County,” Parnell said.

Langston could not be reached for comment by press deadline on Tuesday.