Candidates line up for public office

Two more candidates have thrown their hats into the political ring for local office in the last week.

Brad Dalton filed to run as a Democrat for the job of County Commissioner in Precinct 4. He is the fourth candidate to seek the position currently held by Bob Trout, who is not seeking re-election.

Dalton will be on the ballot this November to face winner of a three-man race for the Republican nomination this March. Joe Hall, Dan Sawyer, and Bill Spier are all vying for to be their party’s candidate.

Also new this week is Mitchell Martin, who filed as a Republican for the position of Commissioner in Precinct 2. He will face incumbent Donnie Hall in the party primary.

Other races this year include Colleen Owens and Doug Wright competing for the Democratic nomination for Precinct 3&4 Justice of the Peace. The winner will face Republican Pamela Denise Bertrand in the fall to succeed Justice Ann Kennedy, who is retiring at the end of her term.

County Clerk Fay Vargas has filed for re-election on the Democratic ticket, and Janette Gail Cox Wagner is running as a Republican.

Other local officials who are seeking re-election and have not drawn opponents are County Judge Jack Hall (D), County Treasurer Wanda Smith (R), and Pct. 1&2 Justice of the Peace Connie Havens (D).

The primary elections will be held March 2. Early voting will begin February 16.