Fifth-generation Lafayette County resident Josh McGlawn does not classify himself as a politician.

However, he has found himself in the midst of one of several runoff elections as a candidate for District 2 Supervisor. McGlawn, a graduate of Oxford High School and Ole Miss, who holds a master’s degree in business from Delta State, said his decision to run for District 2 Supervisor was a simple one.

“The reason I decided to run, after talking about it and praying about it, was that I saw an opportunity,” McGlawn said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to step into a direct role in the community, for my kids really. If I can have a direct hand in pushing progress in my community for my kids and leave a legacy for them, I think there’s nothing greater than that.”

When he’s not working for the family businesses, McGlawn Services and MidSouth Green, he’s spending time with his wife and three children.

Instead of entering the political arena with a set agenda, McGlawn said he’s run on a “platform of listening” to constituents and acting on their behalf. He’s kept notes since announcing his decision to run for office, and said he intends to present them for discussion, should he be elected.

Some of the greatest issues they’re facing? Problems within rural infrastructure, access to high-speed internet and access to quality utilities.

“If I get elected, all these things people have told me are what I will take to the table,” he said. “I want to go to bat for them – there are some people out there who don’t have access to quality water.”

Out of six initial candidates in the primary election, the final race has come down to McGlawn and Ava Halon Bonds Gossett.

Upon finding out he would be in a runoff election, McGlawn said he was pleasantly surprised.

“Anything or nothing would have surprised me, but I was pleasantly surprised by the support I got,” he said. “It gave me a lot of confidence.”

In the days since the Aug. 6 primary elections, McGlawn said he has hit the ground running yet again. Whether it’s knocking on doors, sending out mail flyers or putting up signs around District 2, he’s making every considerable effort to make an impression on voters.

Even if the outcome of the election isn’t in his favor, he said, he still wants to play an active role in the community.

“Historically, many people don’t show up for runoffs. We would like to get them to the polls,” he said. “I want to be a public servant, no matter what happens, whether I get elected or not. I know I’m ready for those votes to be cast. But I’ve learned a lot about myself and about people throughout this process.”