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(File Photo) The filing period for Republican and Democratic candidates to file for the March primary election is open for just a few more days, with the period ending Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
The clock is ticking for candidates hoping to appear on the March primary ballot. Filing for Republican and Democratic contenders remains open until Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m., with several Stephens County offices up for election this cycle.
Incumbents who have filed include County Treasurer Kelsey Cornwall, 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, County Clerk Jackie Ensey and Constable Brian McBride.
McBride, appointed in May to complete the unexpired term of the late Wayne McMullen, will face a challenge from Breckenridge Police Department sergeant Justin Shockley.
Meanwhile, County Judge Michael Roach announced he will not seek re-election. Will Thompson, Stephens County Chief Tax Appraiser, filed on the Republican ticket, while Melissa Baker, a retired domestic violence counselor from Ranger, declared her intent to run as an independent candidate. Baker will not appear on the primary ballot and she will officially file with the state later this year.
At this point, every candidate besides Baker filed as a Republican.
Candidate applications are available through the Stephens County Clerk’s office or can be downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us. Independent candidates must have filed their application and nominating petition by June 25.
Applications require either a filing fee or a petition signed by qualified voters in lieu of the fee. Filing fee amounts and petition forms are available online. Candidates must also appoint a campaign treasurer, file personal financial statements and submit campaign finance reports. For more information, contact the Texas Ethics Commission at 512-463-5800.
State offices up for election include governor, state senate district 10, state representative District 60, Lt. governor and attorney general.
Other key offices on the ballot include agriculture commissioner, state comptroller, land commissioner, railroad commissioner, State Board of Education (eight seats) and U.S. House Texas District 25.
Key election dates include:
- 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
