Carter County Elects Second Republican Commissioner Since Statehood
First Republican is elected to Carter County commission since 1922
By Jennifer Palmer
ARDMORE — A Republican candidate has made history after being elected to the Carter County Board of Commissioners with a narrow victory confirmed late Monday after a manual recount.
Local businessman Jerry Alvord won his seat by eight votes, officials said. His opponent, incumbent county Commissioner Dale Ott, has held the District 3 seat since 1991 and currently serves as vice chairman of the board.
Democrats dominate in Carter County. County records show Alvord will be just the second Republican on the Board of Commissioners for Carter County since it was formed at statehood in 1907. The first was Roy M. Johnson, who represented District 1 from 1921-22.
Alvord said he entered the race knowing it would be “an uphill battle.”