While the presidential election may be a hot topic right now, Chatham County has several local elections happening this year. Here are the local candidates that Chatham voters can expect to see on their ballots. 

District Attorney 

The incumbent DA Shalena Cook Jones (D)  is up against Andre Pretorius (R) in this race.  

Cook Jones has served as the Chatham DA since 2020. The New York native has worked in the legal system for more than 20 years and strives to improve its flaws. During her career she has implemented several programs to prevent crime and minimize taxpayer costs, according to her website. 

Pretorius has worked as both an assistant district and county attorney for Chatham. In an interview with Connect Savannah, Pretorius stated that his main objectives as DA would be ensuring that victims of violent crime receive justice and reestablish the DA’s office reputation. 

Sheriff

The current sheriff John T. Wilcher (R) and Richard Coleman (D) are the running candidates for this race. 

Wilcher has served as Chatham’s sheriff since 2016. Prior to his election, he served in the Navy and Army Reserve. He has worked in Chatham’s law enforcement for 46 years. He has received multiple awards for his work. Under his leadership, Chatham’s sheriff office earned mental health accreditation, the first in the country to do so.  

Coleman has worked in law enforcement for 22 years. He worked for both Thunderbolt and Stillmore Police Departments. The Savannah-born candidate has fulfilled several roles within the departments, including detective, sergeant, captain and more. 

Coroner 

David L. Campbell (D) is running for re-election after serving his first term as coroner. His opponent is Tiffany S. Williams (R) who has worked with Campbell previously.

Campbell owns Campbell and Sons Funeral Home, which has served Chatham since 1936.  

Williams, who worked for the Chatham County Coroner’s Office for 20 years, stated in an interview with Savannah Morning News that “the office is totally going downhill” and operations would improve under her management.

County Commissioner Chair

Joel S. Boblasky (R) and Chester A. Ellis (D) are the candidates for this race. Ellis, a Savannah-native, is the current County Commissioner Chairman. 

According to the Chatham County website, Ellis has more than 30 years of involvement across several Chatham institutions, including its public school system and government. His goal as chairman is to “make Chatham County stronger by investing in its citizens”. 

Boblasky is also a Savannah native and has more than three decades experience as a commercial agent and broker, his website states. He plans to improve Chatham’s infrastructure and emergency services if elected. 

County Commission District 6 

Incumbent Aaron “Adot” Whitley (D) is up against Leonard Massey (R) for commissioner of district 6. Armstrong resides in this district.

Massey has a background in the hospitality industry and wants to use those skills to support the residents of district 6, he said in an interview with the Savannah Tribune.

Whitley’s key focuses as commissioner are housing, youth engagement and community involvement in government decision making. 

Click here to watch a video of a candidate forum hosted by WSAV at Armstrong last month.