Dade County District 1 Commission Race Headed to Runoff; SPLOST Approved by Voters

 Unofficial results are now in from Tuesday’s election in Dade County, with the District 1 County Commission race headed to a runoff election and voters approving the continuation of the county’s one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, commonly known as SPLOST.

Election officials say all precincts have reported, though results remain unofficial pending certification.

In the closely watched District 1 County Commission race, Robby Ryan and Jane Dixon will advance to a runoff election scheduled for June 16th. Dixon narrowly secured the second runoff position with 467 votes, while candidate Gene McBryar finished just two votes behind with 465 votes.

Following the razor-thin margin, McBryar has officially requested a recount.

Meanwhile, Dade County voters approved the continuation of the one-cent SPLOST referendum by a vote of 1,564 in favor to 913 opposed. The sales tax is commonly used to fund local capital improvement projects and infrastructure needs throughout the county.

Also on Tuesday night, Commissioner Phillip Hartline officially secured another term in office after running unopposed in his race.

In state races affecting the area, State Senator Lanny Thomas won his election outright without the need for a runoff, receiving 72.54 percent of the vote.

State Representative Mike Cameron also secured re-election in a decisive victory, receiving more than 83.5 percent of the vote.

Election officials are expected to certify the results in the coming days.