Johnson leads in Randolph County clerk race; incumbents set to return

Sparta resident Melanie Johnson will likely be the new Randolph County Clerk, taking a sizable lead over Bobby Klausing Tuesday night.

With 35 of 37 precincts reporting, Johnson was leading Klausing of Sparta 4,946 to 3,861, according to unofficial vote totals from the clerk's office.

Johnson, a Republican, will replace Democrat Pat Laramore, who did not run for re-election after serving four terms in office.

In the other county races, incumbents were poised to be re-elected to office. Incumbent Sheriff Shannon Wolff was soundly ahead of Republican challenger William Gibson 6,551 to 2,231,

In the race for treasurer, incumbent Democrat Justin Jeffers was well ahead of Republican Deborah Hoelscher, 4,830 to 3,916, while Randolph County Commissioner Marc Kiehna had a sizable lead over Wayne A. Voss 5,126 to 3,666.