Paris, Tenn.–State Rep. Bruce Griffey was elected 24th District Circuit Court Judge and Neil Thompson was elected 24th District District Attorney by large majorities Tuesday. Both Griffey and Thompson are from Henry County.
The 24th represents Henry, Benton, Carroll, Decatur, and Hardin Counties.
Griffey replaces Judge Donald Parish, who is retiring from the position. Griffey had announced earlier that he was stepping down as State Representative to run for the judgeship. In Tuesday’s election, he beat challengers Terry Leonard of Benton Co. and Vance Dennis of Hardin County.
Thompson defeated Incumbent DA Matt Stowe of Benton County.
The Tennessee Secretary of State’s office has posted the unofficial results:
Circuit Court Judge: Griffey, 5,622 votes or 40.58 percent; Leonard, 4,195 or 30.28 percent; Dennis, 4037, or 29.14 percent.
District Attorney: Thompson, 8350, or 60.59 percent; Stowe, 5,432 votes or 39.41 percent.
Griffey was contacted early this morning as he was picking up his political signs in Decatur County. He thanked “with deepest gratitude all the voters in the 24th District. I’m honored and privileged to serve. I will always be available to the extent I can be to tal about how judicial system and how we can improve things and protect citizens’ safety.”
Thompson said last night how gratified and thankful he was to serve as District Attorney.
Both Griffey and Thompson will begin serving in September.