Wesson resident Ricky Clopton will take office as the CopiahCounty Superintendent of Education in January, according tounofficial election results from Tuesday’s runoff.

In the runoff, Clopton gathered 2,421 votes, with his opponent,Carl Palmer Jr., capturing 1,881 votes.

“It’s been a good race. I knew it would be close because CarlPalmer is such a well-respected person in Copiah County,” Cloptonsaid in a press release.

The results of the election are expected to be certifiedWednesday, a Copiah County Circuit Clerk representative said.

The official winner will succeed Dale Sullivan, who retiredearlier this year. Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Buchanan has beenserving as interim superintendent since Sullivan’s retirement.

“I’m looking forward to assuming the responsibilities as CopiahCounty Superintendent of Education,” Clopton said.

He has been serving as principal of Crystal Springs AlternativeMiddle School since August. Clopton has also held the principalposition at Wesson Attendance Center. He coached football at Wessonand Copiah-Lincoln Community College as well.

Clopton and Palmer were the top two vote getters in the closeprimary election a few weeks ago, receiving 1,687 and 1,589respectively, defeating Larry Blalock who had 325 votes.

“I want to thank everyone for their hard work, encouragement andsupport,” Clopton said.