Qualifying closes for upcoming political races

Qualifying for local, state and federal offices officially ended on Friday for both the Democrat and Republican parties.

At the local level, several people have qualified for office, and for the first time in Franklin County’s history, there will be two contested local races in the Republican primary in June.

Qualifying for the office of sheriff is current sheriff Shannon Oliver, who qualified as a Democrat; and challengers John Cantrell and Ray Hayse, who both qualified as Republicans.

Qualifying for the office of revenue commissioner is Don Garrard, qualifying as a Democrat; and Veronica Stancil and James Taff, who both qualified as Republicans.

Qualifying for the office of county school board in District 3 are Democrats Pat Cochran and current school board member Randy Hester; and Republican Scotty Raper.

Qualifying for the office of coroner are current coroner Elzie Malone and John James, who both qualified as Democrats.

For state offices pertaining to Franklin County citizens, each race will have a Democrat and a Republican vying for the state representative or state senate seats.

Qualifying for state representative in District 7 is incumbent Ken Johnson, who qualified as a Republican, and Democrat Jody Letson.

Qualifying for state representative in District 18 is longtime incumbent Johnny Mack Morrow, who qualified as a Democrat, and Republican Gerry Wallace.

Qualifying for state senator in District 6 is longtime incumbent Roger Bedford, Jr., who qualified as a Democrat, and former Phil Campbell mayor Jerry Mays, who qualified as a Republican.