Comanche County voters select John as District 1 commissioner

Eastern Comanche County has a new county commissioner, while Republicans also have selected the county sheriff candidate who will proceed to the November General Election.

All candidates in both races were Republicans, meaning registered voters in that party made the decision that propelled Ryan John to the District 1 Comanche County commissioner seat while also selecting Michael Merritt as the candidate who will face Democratic candidate David Stroud in November.

Merritt was one of three Republicans seeking the chance to replace long-time Comanche County Sheriff Kenny Stradley, who did not seek re-election. Merritt won 3,595 votes, or 54.79 percent of those cast. Andy Moon won 2,967 votes, or 45.21 percent, in Tuesday’s runoff election.

Merritt was pleased with the news.

“It seems humbling,” he said. “I’m grateful and so pleased with the outcome. We put our trust in God and the citizens of Comanche County. And, we had several individuals who put out a huge effort on our behalf, and got out and voted on our behalf. I’m just breathless. It’s very rewarding.”

Merritt said after taking a bit of time to catch his breath, his campaign will continue to push toward the November election and make contact with more residents.

“There’s a lot of people out there that we were not able to reach,” he said, adding he already has knocked on 2,600 doors. “It’s very rewarding to meet citizens and hear their issues, on crime and on issues with Comanche County. There’s a lot more people to get out there and talk to. If I do win, I’ll be representing each and every one of them.”

John’s win in the District 1 county commissioner race gives eastern Comanche County its third commissioner this year. He will complete the unexpired term of former Commissioner John O’Brien, who resigned earlier this year. The seat has been held by Trent Logan since early June, after Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed him to the office until voters could select their own candidate.

John, who said he anticipates being sworn into office at the commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, won 1,329 votes, or 44.02 percent of the votes cast. Logan won 716 votes, or 23.72 percent. Other candidates were: Kevin Turpin, 456 votes; Hank Hasenbeck, 348 votes; Craig Tracht, 94 votes; and Chad Maguire, 76 votes.

“I’m excited to start,” John said. “My main goal is to try to bring economic growth to Comanche County, and in order to do that, we need to fix the county jail. And, my third goal is to be hands-on with the county barn and continue to maintain the roads.”

John said his interest in serving as county commissioner stems from multiple factors, including the fact he was born and raised here.

“I’m the fourth generation to grow up here,” he said, adding he has always had an interest in politics and also was prompted by what he saw happening in other counties and in Comanche County. “I wanted to step up and make a difference.”