Monongalia County voters elected two new magistrates and two seasoned magistrates in Tuesday’s primary election.
Ron Bane won the Division 1 race against D. Ponch Reyes with 9,631 votes. Reyes received 9,041 votes.
“I’m excited to be able to work for the citizens of Mon County,” Bane said. “I’m blessed to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to taking this challenge on and doing the best I can.”
This will be Bane’s first time as a magistrate.
In Division 2, Phillip Todd Gaujot beat attorney Stephanie Nethken and current Magistrate Tim Pocius.
Gaujot had 7,968 votes, Pocius had 5,927 votes and Nethken had 4,735.
Pocius wished Gaujot good luck during his term and said it was a pleasure to serve the county. He was appointed to the position by Mon County Circuit Court Judge Susan Tucker in March 2019 to fill the vacancy left by Senior Status Magistrate Darris Summers when he retired.
Gaujot could not be reached for comment in time for this report.
Divison 3’s current magistrate, Jim Nabors, will serve another term after running unopposed. He received 17,475 votes.
Nabors, in his 14th year as a magistrate, said he appreciates the support and will continue to do his best serving the residents of Monongalia County.
“Being magistrate is something I’m proud of,” he said.
In Division 4, Magistrate Sandy Holepit will keep her seat after winning with 13,693 votes.
“I would just like to really, truly thank a lot of good people that have worked so hard for me this election,” Holepit said. “I couldn’t have done it without them. Especially my husband, who’s been out there every day and night helping, and I really want to thank all the citizens of Mon County.”
Holepit has been a magistrate for 12 years.
Her opponent, Arlie Campbell, received 5,097 votes.
All election results are unofficial until canvassing is complete.
