COVINGTON, Ga. - With the runoff for the Democratic candidate for the Newton County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat looming Tuesday, outgoing Commissioner Lanier Sims has made a choice on who he wants to succeed him.

Sims told The Covington News Thursday that he is endorsing Demond Mason for the post. Mason is scheduled to face Earnest Simmons in the July 24 runoff for the seat being vacated by Sims, who decided not to seek reelection.

Mason led the four candidates vying for the seat in May’s Democratic primary with nearly 38 percent of the vote. Simmons placed second with just under 24 percent of the vote.

In a statement to The News announcing his endorsement, Sims said, "I believe this election is about our future and not about our past.  Over the past few months, I have gotten to know Demond by his regular attendance at our board meetings.  What I learned during that time is that he studies the issues, does his own research, asks us tough questions, just to get a full 360-degree view of the issues that face Newton County as a whole as well as District 2.  

"I believe his strong business background, his leadership skills, his ability to be humble, his faith in God, and not being connected to the good ole boys makes him the right candidate to continue to move newtonCounty forward.  I have watched him out in the community working hard to get to know the citizens and their concerns.  With his work ethic and his Love for Newton County is why I Lanier Sims District 2 Commissioner fully support Demond Mason as the next District 2 Commissioner. “

If he wins Tuesday’s runoff, Mason will assume the District 2 post in January. There is no Republican candidate running for the seat in November.

Friday is the last day for early voting. Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday.