November 8, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Local businessman Michael Hale is the new State Representative of the 40th District.
Hale, a Republican won the election Tuesday easily defeating his Democratic Challenger Tom Cook District Wide and in DeKalb County where he and his family reside.
In DeKalb County Hale received a total of 4,288 votes to 727 for Cook, who also lives in DeKalb County. Hale carried all 12 precincts decisively as well as the early voting and absentee totals.
District-wide, Hale won 14,852 to 2,956 and carried each of the counties in the district as follows: Cannon-3,055 to 624, DeKalb-4,288 to 727, Jackson- 2,530 to 613, Smith- 4,311 to 856, and Wilson-667 to 136.
Hale succeeds 14-year veteran state lawmaker Terri Lynn Weaver whom he defeated in the state GOP primary in August. The term of office is two years. The state legislature convenes again in January.
“This is one of the most humbling nights of my life to have come in and looks like district wide won 83.4% of the vote to 16.9%,” Hale told WJLE on election night.
“There are so many people to thank from my wife to my kids, and campaign workers who helped me all through the summer during a tough primary and then the last three months of a general election. Most of all I just want to thank the Lord for the blessings and opportunity to serve the approximately 70,000 people of the 40th district,” Hale continued.
“My life has been a service and I have worked with the people of DeKalb County in these communities for the last 34 years through the funeral home and other service to people. I want people to know that as far as our funeral home business nothing changes there but if I can be of service or help to you as your state representative, please feel free to call me. I will be getting more information later about our office in Nashville. I just look forward to serving and helping you and supporting our faith, family, and freedom. I want the 40th district to be the best place where people can work, live, raise a family, visit and then ultimately retire,” said Hale.
Here are the results by precinct:
Early voting and Absentee combined: Hale-1,231, Cook-245
Election Day:
Alexandria: Hale-360, Cook-44
Temperance Hall: Hale-164, Cook-25
Liberty: Hale- 309, Cook- 56
Snow Hill: Hale-168, Cook-25
Church of God: Hale-385, Cook-60
Courthouse: Hale-369, Cook 78
Rock Castle: Hale-78, Cook 18
Johnson Chapel: Hale-191, Cook-33
County Complex: Hale-287, Cook-35
Keltonburg: Hale-261, Cook-34
Blue Springs: Hale-175, Cook-25
Church of Christ Annex: Hale-310, Cook-49