Buckner Wins Race for County Commission

By Dylan Smith, Managing Editor • dylan@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — A.J. Buckner has defeated Mark Guffey to become the next member of the Jackson County Commission, representing District 3.

The Republican Primary Runoff ballot featured only one local race. 

Current District 3 Commissioner Melinda Gilbert was eliminated from contention in March’s GOP Primary as Buckner and Guffey were the top two vote getters, neither reaching a majority to claim victory. 

Both Buckner and Guffey are employed at the central office of the Jackson County Board of Education. The two gentlemen have made successful careers in education, serving as teachers and principals of various county schools.

Buckner claimed 3,379 votes to Guffey’s 2,727 (55% – 45%) provisional ballots excluded.

“Thank you, Jackson County. Together, let’s move forward,” said Buckner expressing his gratitude via Facebook.

Guffey was gracious in defeat as he congratulated his opponent.

“Congrats to A.J.,” said Guffey. “I hope he works as hard to make some much needed changes in our county! Thanks again for all the support and help – God bless you all!”

Buckner currently serves as a Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority Board. He is a former member of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

Buckner is the grandson of former Jackson County Commissioner Hoyt Carroll. 

He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, AnnaLynn and Chloe. The Buckner’s reside in Section.