Cowley County Commissioner Carmelita Clarkson, D-Winfield, was soundly defeated in her effort for a second-four year term by a relative newcomer to county politics, Alan Groom, R-Winfield.
Groom won 2,799 or 60.77 percent of the votes; Clarkson received 1,801 or 39.20 percent of the votes.
"I’m not really surprised. I believe people are ready for a change," said Groom, who has a small metal fabrication and repair business. " I just want to be a louder voice for the people that we haven’t had in our district for a while."
Clarkson was in the county clerk and election office 24 years and is finishing the fourth year of her term on the county commission.
She declined to comment about her defeat.
She is also volunteer at William Newton Hospital and said she will watch for other ways to serve the community and keep productive.
Groom won’ t take office until January.
