Sixth generation Dawson County resident Sharon Fausett will be the next commissioner for District-1.

Fausett netted 58.5 percent of the vote over Corey Gutherie, who took 24.7 percent, and Kevin Ellison, who received 16.8 percent.

According to Georgia law, when a candidate receives at least 50 percent, plus one vote, no runoff election is needed.

I am excited, I am relieved, and I am overwhelmed by the support, Fausett said. I want to thank everyone who voted for me.

Fausett, 63, said part of her motivation of running for office comes from her grandson, Blake, 2.

Blake is the seventh generation of our family to live on this property, she said. I want to preserve what is here for him and for future generations of Dawson County residents. Weve always believed that if you stay close to nature, you are a much better person. You realize where you come from and that theres a Higher Power.

First runner-up, Corey Gutherie, put his support behind Fausett.

Im proud that Sharon will be my commissioner, and Im happy to help her any way I can, Gutherie said. I would like to thank the voters, and I am proud to have been part of the process. Ive gained a lot of friends and thats worth it. I would also like to thank my wife, Audrey, and my grandfather, Sam Gutherie, for their help. And my daughter Isabel.

Second runner-up Kevin Ellison said the campaign wasnt about any political group.

I want to thank all of the people who supported me and voted for me, Ellison said. My campaign wasnt about any political group -- it was about the citizens and the county.

Fausett, a Republican, takes office Jan. 1. No Democrats qualified to run for the seat. Fausett takes over for two-term Commissioner Gary Pichon, who announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election.

Of Dawson Countys 12,937 registered voters, 23.4 percent participated in the primary election, casting 3,031 votes.

Also elected were incumbents Jimmy Hamby, District-3 county commissioner; board of education member Will Wade, and a political newcomer, Karen Armstrong, who was elected to the board of education.

Re-elected to state legislative seats are House Rep. Kevin Tanner, District-9, Sen. Steve Gooch, District-51, and House Speaker David Ralston.