It was standing room only for the Oath of Office Ceremony, which was held at the Hardeman County Courthouse on Monday, August 31, 2026. The elected officials who won their seats after the Primary Election on August 6, 2026, were joined by their family and friends, and just as many citizens from the community. What they all witnessed was the oath of office being taken by the people who are now going to lead throughout Hardeman County in positions for which they have been entrusted by their constituents.
Before the prayer and pledge, reelected Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse addressed the officials.
“You’ve been given a great opportunity. The election is over, that is the first step,” said Mayor Pulse.
Two of the most highly anticipated elections this year were those of the Hardeman County Mayor and Hardeman County Sheriff positions. Incumbent Todd Pulse, who was first elected in 2022, will serve a second term in that position. Antonio Parham will serve his first term as Hardeman County Sherriff, after beating John Doolen, who has served in that position since 2010. Ben Davis stepped down from his position as the Whiteville Chief of Police when he was tapped by Sheriff Parham to become his deputy chief.
Hardeman County General Sessions Judge Harriet Thompson. who made history in 2024 becoming the first female to hold the position, swore in the elected officials.
Reelected Commissioners are:
| David Bell – District 5, Position 2 | Jeff Kennamore – District 5, Position 3 |
| Bobby Hensley – District 4, Position 1 | Chandra Lake – District 3, Position 1 |
| Cory Bufford – District 3, Position 2 | Johnny Lanier – District 5, Position 1 |
| Russell DeBerry – District 7, Position 1 | Jackie Sain- District 1, Position 2 |
| Michion E. Gatlin – District 1, Position 3 | Johnny Weems – District 2, Position 2 |
| Joseph Jenkins – District 9, Position 1 | Bobby Wright – District 8, Position 1 |
Newly elected Commissioners are:
| Rickey W. Griggs – District 1, Position 1 | Dylan Stewart – District 6, Position 1 |
| Terry Ray Howell – District 7, Position 2 | Erica Woods – District 2, Position 1 |
Highway Superintendent Casey Swift begins his third term, County Clerk Tonet Griggs her second term, and County Trustee Sandy Hammons serves again. Mark Gilliam, who served as a county commissioner before running for his new position, was elected as Hardeman County Register of Deeds and Jennifer Burkeen will serve as the Hardeman County Circuit Court Clerk.
Newly elected road supervisor Trevor Bell – District 2 will work alongside reelected road supervisors John Mitchell – District 1 and Mark McCrory – District 3.
Newly elected school board members Ketih Bollendorf – District 1, Position 3 and Quintessa “Quin” Stewart – District 1, Position 3 will work alongside relected school board members Kenny Adkins – District 1, Position 1, Jennifer Aylor – District 3, Position 2, and Bradford T. Polk – District 1, Position 2.
The Magnolia Post
