First there were seven candidates, then two, and after the runoff election Tuesday, Missi Walden was elected to become the next justice of the peace for precinct 2 of Ector County in a landslide.
Walden ran against Matthew Stringer in the runoff election for the vacant seat, winning the election with nearly 75 percent of the vote with 1,181 votes cast in her favor. Stringer received 403 votes.
The election had dwindled down from the two after they received the majority of the vote during a March primary featuring five other candidates: Gary Dunda, Marvin Jennings, Jet Brown, Sheyl Jones and Steven Westfall.
Walden said she was thrilled with her victory at an election party on Tuesday night following the election.
“I’m ecstatic,” Walden said. “I definitely didn’t expect it to be such a wide margin.”
Walden said she was thankful for all of her supporters and those who helped her during the campaign with signage and promotion.
Since there is no Democratic challenger for the seat, Walden will be appointed to the position at a future commissioners’ court.
Stringer said he congratulates Walden on her victory.
“I congratulate her on a well-earned victory and I pray for the Lord’s guidance over her as she begins her service to our county,” Stringer said.
