Candidates file for March primary

With the November election now behind us, attention is turning toward the next milestone–the March primary election, with a number of Stephens County candidates filing this week.

The period for Republican and Democratic candidates to file for the primary opened Saturday, Nov. 8 and remains open until Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

Several county offices are on the ballot this election cycle, including Stephens County Judge, District Clerk, Justice of the Peace, Stephens County Precinct 2 Commissioner and Stephens County Precinct 4 Commissioner.

The official elections administrator position was abolished earlier this year and now election duties are handled through County Clerk Jackie Ensey’s office.

County Judge Michael Roach opted not to seek re-election, making a public statement earlier this year. As of Wednesday, Nov. 19, the lone republican candidate to file through the county clerk’s office is Will Thompson, the current chief tax appraiser of the county.

Filing a declaration of intent to run on the independent line is Melissa Baker, a retired domestic violence counselor out of Ranger. Independent candidates must file a candidate application along with a supporting nominating petition no later than 5 p.m. June 25 with the county judge or Secretary of State. For the petition, the candidate must collect signatures from registered voters who support their candidacy and did not vote in the primary. There is no filing fee for independents.

Incumbents Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark McCullough, Precinct 4 Commissioner Tanner Wade, District Clerk Stephanie Elder, Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon, County Republican Chairman Scott Harris and County Clerk Ensey are so far the lone candidates to file for their positions.

For county constable, incumbent Brian McBride has filed, seeking reelection after he was appointed to the position in May to fill the unexpired term of Wayne McMullen, who died in April. Also filing for constable to challenge McBride on the Republican ticket is Justin Shockley, a current sergeant with the Breckenridge Police Department.

Candidates can file with the Stephens County Clerk’s office, where candidate applications are also available to be picked up. Applications can also be downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us.

The application for a place on the primary ballot includes either a filing fee or a petition in lieu of a filing fee that is signed by a number of qualified voters. The petition can be found online at www.sos.state.tx.us, as well as the filling fee amounts which vary for each public office.

Candidates are required to keep campaign contribution reports, appoint a campaign treasurer and file personal financial statements. To find out more, contact the Texas Ethics Commission at 512-463-5800.

State offices up for election are governor–with incumbent Greg Abbott seeking his fourth term in office–State Senate District 10 held by Phil King, State Representative – District 60 held by Mike Olcott, Lt. governor held by Dan Patrick, Attorney General–incumbent Ken Paxton is running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
Other offices on the ballot include Agriculture Commissioner, State Comptroller, Land Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner, State Board of Education (eight seats), U.S. Senate and U.S. House Texas District 25.

Key election dates
Voter registration deadline: Monday, Feb. 2
Ballot by mail application deadline: Friday, Feb. 20
Early voting: Feb. 17-Feb.27
Election Day: Tuesday, March 3