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Interim Coffee County Mayor Dennis Hunt has secured the nomination as the Republican candidate at a caucus held May 23 at Coffee County Central High School by the county Republican party.

According to Coffee County Republican Party Chairman Greg Sandlin, more than 100 Republican voters gathered to participate in the caucus. While nominations were requested from the floor, only Hunt was nominated by Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin.

“No other candidates were nominated, therefore, Interim Mayor Hunt was approved by unanimous consent as the Republican nominee for County Mayor in the August election,” Sandlin said.

Hunt was the only candidate put forth during the caucus, yet he will likely face an independent challenger, David Nipper in the upcoming August election.  

Nipper on Thursday confirmed to The Manchester Times his intent to run, saying he will turn in his qualification papers on Tuesday after Memorial Day.

Nipper, who was appointed by the late County Mayor Judd Matheny as Chairman of the Wayside Acres Authority, has described himself as a conservative independent.

“I am the only true independent running,” Nipper said, “I have never voted since I’ve turned 18, so that makes me the only true independent candidate.”

As yet, no other candidates have announced their intent to run, and the Coffee County Democratic Party canceled its caucus due to the lack of potential candidates.

Hunt had served as Commission Pro Tempore until Matheny’s death in April. He was sworn in to the role as Interim Mayor April 8. A long-time businessman in Coffee County and active commissioner, Hunt has served as Chairman of the Capital Outlay Committee, Secretary of the Planning Commission and a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The May 23 caucus was held to put forth a party candidate for the August 1 election to fill the vacancy for the office after Matheny’s death. For Independent candidates, the deadline to qualify will be noon on Friday, June 7.