Vernon Parish voters made their voices heard in the October 14 primary elections. District 30 State Representative Chuck Owen retained his seat in the House with 85% of the votes cast in his campaign against William “B.J.” Jones. A tighter race was held in House District 24 where incumbent Rodney Schamerhorn received 60% of the votes in his race against Hornbeck Mayor Clarence Bebee.
Incumbent Vernon Parish Clerk of Court Jeff Skidmore received 65% of registered votes in his campaign against Joshua Smith (34%) to win re-election. Vernon Parish Police Jurors David Fox (District 3), Doug Roshong (District 4), Scottie Benjamin (District 8), Charnel Bailey (District 7) and Kenny Haymon (District 12) were all re-elected. In District 5, incumbent Reggie Johnson fell to Cody Hostetler 536 votes to 468 votes. There is a runoff for Justice of the Peace (Ward 8 Constable) between Brian Herrington and Danny James.
Vernon Parish voters generally followed state voters in the statewide elections. Jeff Landry (Governor), Billy Nungesser (Lt. Governor) and Liz Murrill (Attorney General) were all favored by Vernon voters. Runoffs are pending November 18 for the offices of Louisiana Secretary of State: Nancy Landry (R) and Gwen Collins Greenup (D); and State Treasurer: John Fleming (R) and Dustin Granger (D). Voters in Vernon Parish and across the state said yes to all four constitutional amendments on the ballot. There are additional amendments on the ballot for November 18.
