The race for State Representative District 12 is heading to a runoff.

Incumbent Mac Buttram and Good Hope mayor Corey Harbison will spend another six weeks on the campaign trail after finishing Tuesday’s first wave of the Republican primary with percentages in the low 40s.

Buttram collected 3,866 votes (43.96 percent) to Harbison’s 3,627 (41.24 percent). Roy Jackson bowed out with 1,302 votes (14.80 percent).

Tuesday’s totals were reached with 36 of 37 boxes counted. Provisional ballots will be tallied next week. The runoff is slated for July 15.

Buttram kept a close eye on the number of Democrats who cast ballots in the primary election. A mere 418 (2.61 percent) spoke volumes to the retired Methodist minister, who’s wrapping up his first term in the Alabama House District 12 seat.

“It looks like the Democrats sort of hijacked our primary,” he said.

Though slim, Buttram viewed his lead after the first stage as a “positive sign.” He said the public’s biggest concerns are jobs and the economy, two areas he believes he’s successfully addressed over the last four years.

Buttram also expressed a commitment to workforce development. He said education issues are vital to helping students obtain jobs or a college degree.

“I’m just glad we’re in a runoff,” Buttram said. “I look forward to working the next six weeks, get out and see people and ask for their vote.”

Harbison was none too surprised by the close contest for the top spot. He was encouraged by the 55-plus percent of voters who favored a new representative.

“I hope that trend continues in a runoff,” said the 27-year-old second-term mayor. “If they voted for a different person, I think it speaks loud and clear there might need to be a change there.”

Harbison admitted he’s tired but is looking “forward to the next few weeks on the campaign trail.” He doesn’t plan to alter his strategy, choosing to stay positive and stick to the only two promises he said he’s made — being accountable and accessible to the people.

“If anybody has any questions about the way I stand or the way I feel about any of the issues, I ask them to reach out to me,” said Harbison, who frequently posts his campaign cell number on various social media platforms. “I’d be glad to talk to them. I want to be there.”

Jackson, who’s spent two decades with the Cullman County Commission and is the current road superintendent, did not wish to comment on Tuesday’s primary.

The winner of next month’s runoff will run unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election.

% Rob Ketcham can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 138 or at robk@cullmantimes.com.