No second round for sheriff as Bowman handily wins primary

As his supporters shouted “always with Will,” Liberty County Sheriff Will Bowman celebrated a victory in the Democratic primary Tuesday night.

Bowman, a first-term sheriff, defeated three challengers in the primary and won't need a runoff before facing Republican opponent Gary Eason in the November general election.

“I feel good,” Bowman said. “I feel blessed that the citizens believe in me and have confidence in what I do.”

Bowman received 3,344 votes out of 5,255, or 63.6%. He received 1,202 of the 1,933 votes cast on Election Day and 1,972 of the 3,061 ballots cast in early voting.

Former Hinesville City Council member and sheriff's deputy Keith Jenkins finished second with 901 votes. Gary Richardson, a former Liberty County sheriff's deputy, finished third with 751 votes and Kevin Hofkin with 249 votes.

“Any time you go into an election, it’s going to be a tough race,” Bowman said. “Everyone had the best ideas about what the county should be. They like the direction the county is going.

I'm lucky to have the support I have here and I love this county.

Eason, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, received 1,252 votes.

Bowman said the county is trying to move in a more positive direction and wants to make sure all of its officers are well-trained for situations they may face.

“We work well as a team,” he said.

Early voting for the November 5 general election

Lewis Levine contributed to this story.