Local primary run-offs decided

Cementing November races for a number of local offices, approximately 13,000 Jefferson County voters cast ballots in the primary run-off elections May 24.

Christian “Manuel” Hayes won the Democratic nomination against Joseph Trahan in an effort to fill the seat being vacated by District 22 State Representative Joe Deshotel, for whom Hayes worked as a chief of staff. Hayes is set to face Republican Jacorian Randle.

Jefferson County Director of Human Resources Cary Erickson won the race to represent the Republican Party on the November ballot for Precinct 2 County Commissioner. Erickson beat Jack Brooks Regional Airport Manager Alex Rupp, setting up an Election Day race against Democrat Julia Rodriguez.