3 county incumbents begin filing process

By Donnie A. Lucas

Three incumbent county officials filed the paperwork needed to designate a campaign treasurer this week and each are seeking signatures needed to file for the Republican primary election in March.

While no candidate had yet completed the filing process that opened this week, the trio of prospective candidates represent just half of six positions open for the March primary elections for both Republicans and Democrats. The General Election is set for next November.

The deadline to file for the primary elections for all candidates is Dec. 13, 2021.

Incumbents Cheri Hawkins – county and district clerk, Tammy Brown – county treasurer, and James Breeden – justice of the peace, each filed the paperwork required to designate a campaign treasurer and picked up petitions to be signed in lieu of filing fees. Each indicated they will run in the Republican primary.

Commissioners Ace Reames – precinct 2, and Cody Jordan – precinct 4, both said last week they intent to file, but neither had started the process as of press time.

County judge Bob Skelton, who is completing his first four-year term, announced last month that he does not intend to seek re-election.

After completing the paperwork required to designate a campaign treasurer, candidates then file their application and filing fee or petition with the signatures of 50 registered voters with the party chairman.

The fee for the JP office is $350, while the fee for the remainder of the posts is $750.

Republican candidates will need to file for positions with Rodney Casey, who is serving as the party chairman since longtime chair Lynne Teinert has opted to retire from the position.

Casey will have to run as party chairman in the primary, and according to the clerk’s office, he has picked up the required application.

Republican candidates must officially file with Casey rather than at the courthouse. He can be contacted at 325-370-2468.

According to the clerk’s office, there has not been a local Democratic party chair in a number of years. Prospective candidates on the Democratic ticket can contact the clerk’s office to name a treasurer and pick up a petition, but will have to file with the Democratic party office in Austin.

The Texas Democratic party office can be contacted at 512-478-9800.

Any Libertarian party candidates should file with their party by the Dec. 13 deadline. They can contact the state party chair at 903-372-6931.

Hawkins reminded anyone thinking of filing as an independent candidate that they fall under the some requirements as party candidates, with a few exceptions.

Independent candidates must sign a “declaration of intent” with the county judge.