Doyle unseats Harrington for Supervisor of Elections
After over a decade of serving as the Lee County Supervisor of Elections, Sharon Harrington was unseated by her challenger in Tuesday’s general election.
Tommy Doyle garnered a majority of the votes at 53.92 percent or 147,466, compared to the 46.08 percent or 126,034 culled by Harrington, according to the Lee County Elections Office website.
Harrington was appointed to the seat in January 2004 to fill the unexpired term of former Lee County Supervisor of Elections Philinda Young. She was re-elected in 2008 and 2012 during the elections.
“I’m just overwhelmed by the support I received from the county,” Doyle said.
“I’m anxious to get started and hopefully can make a difference,” he added.
Doyle noted that there will be a transitional period as he gets accustomed to the office.
“I will have open communications with the county commissioners and the county staff,” he said.
Doyle added that he will also seek assistance from other constitutional officers.
“The next election is in March,” he said. “Our goal is to put on a good election in March.”
Doyle ran his campaign on fiscal responsibility and better budgeting and procuring processes.
“I want to thank everyone who for the last 12 months supported me,” he said. “I’m humbled by it all.”
According to Doyle, Harrington has worked for the Elections Office for over 20 years.
“I think we ought to give her gratitude for her service to the county,” he said.
Doyle cited a need for change among voters as the reason for his win.
“There’s have been a lot of continuous mistakes,” he said. “They were ready for a change.”
Harrington will turn over her position on Jan. 1.
“I’m disappointed, of course, this is my life,” she said on Tuesday. “It’s what I do, it’s what I love.”
Harrington congratulated Doyle.
“I’m just hope my opponent takes good care of my staff,” she said.
Harrington pointed out that she is glad this is the election she will leave her seat on.
“Everything went so well, with such a turnout. It was a great election,” she said.
“I’m very, very proud of my staff,” Harrington added.
According to the website, there are 423,882 registered voters in Lee County. A total of 329,001 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s general election, meaning a total of 77.62 percent of the voters turned out.
The supervisor of elections race is non-partisan.
Election results are unofficial until certified.