SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bud L. Williams captured his fifth term as the legislator for the 11th Hampden District, fighting off a challenge from city teacher Johnnie R.S. McKnight in Tuesday’s primary election.
Unofficial results showed the race was tighter than expected, with Williams receiving 1,752 votes — or 53% of the total — while McKnight received 1,518 votes. With no Republican candidates on the November ballot in the 11th Hampden District, the race was all but decided in the primary.