The Alexander City Outlook

Republican candidate Leon Archer emerged as the winner over Democratic candidate Charles Gillenwaters in the race for Tallapoosa County probate judge Tuesday.

Unofficial totals showed Archer received 9,883 votes, with Gillenwaters receiving 8,296 votes.

“I’m so relieved it’s over and that I got more votes,” Archer said Tuesday night. “I’m just excited and tired right now. It will probably be tomorrow before it soaks in.”

Archer thanked the people of Tallapoosa County for electing him.

“It’s an honor to have this job and that the people voted for me and trust me to be their probate judge,” Archer said. “It’s something I won’t take lightly.”

Archer said he will strive to be “fair and honest in all decisions” he makes as probate judge.

He also thanked his wife Marjorie for helping him throughout the campaign.

“I do want to thank my wife for putting up with me this past year – it’s been a long campaign since it started in January,” Archer said. “She’s been instrumental in helping and supporting me. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Archer said he “wished the best for Charles Gillenwaters and his family.”

Gillenwaters, however, shared different sentiments.

“I feel great – I know who my boss is tomorrow, and that’s me. I’m sorry I didn’t win,” Gillenwaters said. “I think the county will be disappointed with the new probate judge.”

Gillenwaters also got heated in reference to Archer and said he didn’t “intend to run for anything ever again.”

“(Archer) removed almost all my signs this weekend, so I hope he can get the rest of the little ones tomorrow to save me trouble from doing it,” Gillenwaters said. “They can have the good Republicans. I am an Obama person, and I admit it wholeheartedly. May Barack win!”