By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

Jason Calhoun was driving down Highway 191 the night of the Republican Primary runoff on July 17.

He said he had always promised to pick up his campaign signs by the day after the runoff, and he was setting himself to the task right as the polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday night.

He did not know that he had defeated fellow candidate and personal friend Rex Cleckler for the position of Chilton County Probate Judge until Cleckler called Calhoun to congratulate him on his victory.

“It was a good call,” Calhoun said. “I parked on the side of the road, and I talked with him for about five minutes. He was very humble and gracious, and he offered to help me in any way he could.”

Calhoun defeated Cleckler in the Primary by just 142 votes in a very tight election.

Cleckler actually outpaced Calhoun in the Republican Primary on June 5, but the number of votes that separated them necessitated a runoff.

“I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that people have shown to me and my family,” Calhoun said. “I am honored to be the next probate judge. I want to be able to help so many people.”

Calhoun will be taking over for current probate judge Bobby Martin in early January of 2019.

He said that that one of the fastest-growing issues in Chilton County is the number of people with mental health issues. He said he believes his years of experience on the Chilton-Shelby Mental Health Board of Directors will aid him in helping those with mental health issues and their families.