Democrat Dana Deree wins Washington County judge
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Dana Deree. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Deree
Democrat Dana Deree will be the new Washington County judge, according to unofficial election results from the county.
By the numbers: Deree, a former Navy officer, high school teacher, diplomat and Marine Corps veteran, defeated Republican Tim Shepard with about 54% of the vote.
What they're saying: Deree is grateful to voters and is determined to work with Democrats, Republicans and independents, he told Axios late last night.
- While he's thankful for the Democratic wins nationwide, he says the results are a sign that voters are tired of division. This is an opportunity for Democrats to serve their neighbors and focus on issues like affordability, he said.
Context: Washington County was guaranteed a new judge after Shepard defeated incumbent Patrick Deakins with 77% of the vote in an April Republican primary runoff.
How it works: Despite their title, county judges in Arkansas aren't judicial officials. They serve as the county's chief executives, much like mayors run city governments.
- County judges also preside over the quorum court, the county's elected legislative body, similar to a city council.
- Elected to four-year terms, they authorize the disbursement of county funds, hire some county employees and oversee county roads as well as departments such as emergency management, planning and juvenile detention, according to the county's website.
What we're watching: Deree wants to reinstate the Justice Coordination Committee and offer treatment programs for inmates, hire more staff in the planning department, and expand land use policy, he previously told Axios.