NEWTON COUNTY – A new coroner has been elected, as Kimberly Griggs knocked off incumbent Tommy Davis on Tuesday night.

In what ended up as the closest race of the local slate, Griggs originally trailed during the first batch of votes, trailing by around 600-700 votes. She later surpassed Davis’ vote total during the second batch of updates, taking the lead and not looking back.

Griggs wound up with 53.24 percent of the overall vote, equating to 30,692 votes. Davis ended with 26,959 votes at 46,76 percent.

Experience was the narrative of Davis’ campaign, citing his work as coroner in many stints since the early 00s. Griggs – a funeral service director and death certificate coordinator for Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home – focused her efforts on faster speeds on receiving death certificates, as well as more persistent communication.

While Griggs won the majority, many on social media were surprised with the outcome. Several also questioned Griggs’ qualifications for the position, as she has no experience in a coroner’s office.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences, the qualifications for coroner are as followed:

“As per OCGA 45-16-1, a coroner is an elected official who must be a US citizen, reside in the county in which he/she seeks office, is registered to vote, is at least 25 years of age, has obtained a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has not been convicted of a felony.”

For Davis, this is the second time he has lost the coroner election in as many election cycles. Davis originally lost the coroner race in 2020 to Democratic challenger Dorothea Bailey-Butts. Bailey-Butts later resigned, leading to Davis returning as coroner.

Griggs will take office in January. 

“I am deeply humbled and trilled to serve as Newton County Coroner,” Griggs told The Covington News. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who trusted in me, stood by me and lifted me up in prayer. With God’s guiding grace and unwavering mercy, I am confident that I will serve our community with professionalism and respect.”