Updated 9:30 p.m. CST
Craig Doyal has defeated Mark Bosma in the primary runoff for the Republican nomination for Montgomery County judge and will serve as county's newest judge come January 2015.
After the May 27 primary runoff election, Doyal received 18,104 votes and 54.67 percent of the vote to Bosma's 15,010 votes and 45.33 percent of the vote with all 89 precincts reporting.
"I am excited, very grateful and thankful to all those who stepped up and showed their support," Doyal said. "I am excited to head into the county judge role and work with the new court on smart, sustained growth for the county and show the residents what can be accomplished when everyone works together."
Doyal will replace Alan Sadler as Montgomery County Judge, who has served in that capacity since 1990 and did not seek re-election to spend more time with his family.
Doyal will serve a four-year term and will run unopposed in the November general election, as there is no challenger from the Democratic Party.
Upon entering his new role, Doyal said his No. 1 focus will be on improving mobility and meeting mobility needs throughout the county. Projects such as the extension of the Hwy. 249 tollway through Montgomery County and improving the Rayford Road corridor are at the top of his list, he said.
"I will continue to work each and every day to meet the growing mobility needs of Montgomery County," Doyal said. "It's going to be a challenge for us going into the future and it's going to take everybody working together to find the dollars and solutions to get these projects done. There is an incredibly bright future for the county and we will continue to move forward with great vigor."
All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Posted 7:00 p.m. CST
Craig Doyal has the lead in the race for the Republican nomination for Montgomery County Judge after early returns in the runoff election with 57 percent of the vote and 19,613 votes counted.
Doyal holds a lead over his opponent Mark Bosma, who has 43 percent of the vote. After early returns, Doyal has 11,198 votes to Bosma's 8,415.
Bosma edged out Doyal in the primary election, but a runoff between the two was required after neither candidate garnered 50 percent of the vote.
The winner of the race will replace Alan Sadler as Montgomery County Judge, who has served in that capacity since 1990 and did not seek re-election to spend more time with his family. The winner will run unopposed in the November general election, as there is no challenger from the Democratic Party.
Bosma has served as director of infrastructure since 2006 after working as a purchasing agent with the county for 14 years. He also worked for the city of Huntsville for seven years in a variety of capacities, including construction inspection, public works and finance. Bosma said he oversees special projects for the county, which includes building construction.
Doyal has been Precinct 2 commissioner for 12 years and served previously as administrative assistant to former commissioner Malcolm Purvis for 15 years.
