Clark unseats Adcox for coroner’s post

RUSSELLVILLE — Jeff Clark defeated incumbent Charles Adcox in the Republican primary for Franklin County coroner Tuesday night, winning 75.25% of the vote with 2,661 votes to Adcox’s 875.

With 25 of 26 precincts counted, 96.15% of votes had been reported by late Tuesday night. No Democratic candidate qualified for the race, meaning Clark is set to become Franklin County’s next coroner for the 20262030 term.

Clark previously served as chief deputy coroner under Adcox after Adcox first took office in 2018. The two worked together until Clark announced his campaign for coroner earlier this year.

After Clark entered the race, Adcox removed him from the deputy coroner’s position following guidance from the Alabama Coroner’s Association because of a conflict of interest.

Despite the campaign battle, both men publicly spoke respectfully about each other after the election.

“It seemed like we had a low turnout,” Clark said Tuesday night. “ I was expecting it to be a lot closer, but I’m happy with the outcome.”

Clark said throughout the campaign his focus was on helping families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. His campaign slogan centered around the phrase “Family Matters,” something he often tied to the responsibilities of the coroner’s office.

“Family, that’s my big thing. Family matters, and that’s what my campaign was,” Clark said. “No matter whatever the reason was, suicidal or whatever, that’s still somebody’s loved one and if it was mine, that’s what I’m taking care of.”

Clark has worked in law enforcement and emergency response roles in Franklin County since graduating high school in 1991. He has worked with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and also volunteers with the Phil Campbell Rescue Squad and the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. He also works part time as a bus driver for Tharptown School.

Adcox served as Franklin County coroner beginning in 2018. During his time in office, he worked with county leaders to increase funding for the coroner’s office and establish an operating budget for supplies and equipment. He also served as District 5 director for the Alabama Coroner’s Association.

Following the election, Adcox congratulated Clark and said he believes the county will continue to be served well.

“It didn’t turn out how I wanted, but the county does have someone to take care of them after this election, so that’s fine,” Adcox said. “Congratulations to him. It was a tough fought battle, but I know the county is going to be alright.”