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NEW CUMBERLAND - Ronnie Jones will be adding the title of Hancock County commissioner to his list of roles beginning in January.
Jones, the Republican candidate, defeated Democratic challenger Brianne Bates, according to unofficial results Tuesday night, for the seat currently held by Eron Chek.
With all 24 precincts reporting, Jones received 4,198 votes against Bates’ 3,245 votes.
"I want to thank my family and all of my friends," Jones said following Tuesday’s tally, also offering his appreciation to his partner, Donna Gialluco, for her support throughout the campaign.
A lifetime resident of Weirton, Jones previously has held public office, serving as a Weirton city councilman for eight years and in the West Virginia House of Delegates for four years. He currently is a member of several area boards including the Hancock County Health Board, the Weirton Area Water Board and the Weirton Parks Board. He also volunteers for veterans organizations.
"I’m all about law enforcement and the fire departments," he said, noting he also plans to find ways to support the county’s parks and animal shelter. "I want to make sure those boards up here get the same recognition."
Jones said he looks forward to working with the county’s other two commissioners: Paul Cowey and Tommy Ogden.
Bates is a native of Oakdale, Pa., but has been living in Weirton for the last seven years. She has more than 20 years of experience in retail, customer service, hospitality and the mortgage industry, currently owning a small online retail business and hosting virtual escape room events for world-wide corporate team building activities.
She is active with the Weirton Lions Club, Top of WV Arts Council, Hancock and Brooke Young Professionals and the Hancock County Museum. She also volunteers with the Community Bread Basket, Hancock County Humane Foundation and Weirton Trash Squad.
Jones offered his appreciation to Bates, as well, in her campaign efforts.
"This was a clean race and a good race," Jones said.
Chek, who was elected to the commission in 2020, was defeated by Jones in the May Republican primary. She was the first woman to be elected to serve as a Hancock County commissioner.
In Brooke County, voters cast their ballots in two unopposed races for county commission seats.
Stacey Wise received 4,258 votes, while Christina White received 4,239 votes.
Wise defeated a challenge in May’s Republican primary from Kevin Himmelrick, while White was elected to a full term after being appointed earlier this year to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of A.J. Thomas.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)