By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

In the race for the Shelby County Commission Place 2 seat, incumbent Tommy Edwards will return to serve a third term.

With 45 of 49 precincts reporting, Edwards has earned 58 percent of the votes and is the projected winner against his Democrat challenger Kenneth Dukes.

“I’m extremely excited to serve another term,” said Edwards. “I’ve got to give respect to Kenneth Dukes for running a good campaign and he had me nervous. I’m just happy to represent District 2 for another term. I want to thank all my supporters and everyone who went out and voted for me and I have to thank my wife for supporting for me and putting up with me.”

When asked what some of his goals were for his third term, Edwards said it was to keep the momentum and growth going that the Shelby County Commission has seen over the last several years.

“First and foremost I want to maintain a conservative, responsible commission and represent District 2 by maintaining the growth and progress we have going on,” said Edwards. “We are fortunate to live in one of the wealthiest counties in the state and I would like to continue that.”