Vital wins 80% of vote in special election to succeed Carter

Republican businessman Greg Vital won 80% of the vote in the special election to serve out the term of the late state Rep. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah). Democrat DeAngelo Jelks’ bid was rocked by an 11-hour rape allegation made against him by a woman who had worked with the campaign.

Jelks resigned from his leadership position with the Hamilton County Democratic Party, but denied the rape allegation. Jelks said he had been involved in an extramarital affair, but stressed the relationship had been consensual.