More candidates have jumped into local primaries this week for offices in Polk County, but at least two races still need individuals to get qualified before the period ends on Friday.
The Coroner’s race, the Surveyor’s race and the District 1 County Commission race for the primaries (all Republican so far) are contested for the 2024 May Primary ballot set for May 21.
In the District 1 race, a third candidate jumped onto the GOP primary ballot. Deborah Connelly, who was one of the seven candidates seeking the appointment for the year joined the race today. She joins newly appointed Commissioner Jordan Hubbard and longtime candidate James Vines onto the ballot after she qualified today.
The race for Polk County Coroner also became contested today. Nathan Womack, who previously managed Freeman Harris Funeral Home and now works at Litesey Funeral Home, qualified to challenge incumbent Coroner Norman Smith.
The other contested constitutional officer race is for surveyor. Robert Cannon will now face off against Nick Rainey for the position that for the past 10 years has been appointed.
The fourth contested race on the ballot will be for school board. Greg Teems will now face Jeff Hawkins – former ag educator and commission candidate – will compete for the District 5 Board of Education seat being left open at year’s end by Kristy Gober, who is not running to retain the seat.
Two school board seats still have no candidates as of close of business Wednesday. JP Foster in District 3 and Chris Culver in District 6 have until Friday to qualify for their seats.
The rest of the ballot so far is all incumbents. State Rep. Trey Kelley, State Sen. Jason Anavitarte on the state level have no challengers as of yet. For Polk County in particular, the Sheriff Johnny Moats, both Superior Court Judges Andrew Roper and Mark Murphy, Superior Court Clerk Stacie Baines, Chief Magistrate Judge Christy Garner, Probate Judge Bobby Brooks and two of the Commissioners – Ray Carter and Chuck Thaxton – are thus far unopposed.
Visit the Board of Elections website to learn more about qualifying for these positions and the costs prior to Friday.
