Election year 2022 continues to shape up as a season of transition in Kent County, as many candidates file to run to replace longtime elected officials.
More than 10 candidates— some incumbents, some challengers—have filed to be on the primary election ballot in Kent County.
In this area, seats that are up for election are county clerk/district clerk, county judge, county treasurer, Precinct 2 commissioner, Precinct 4 commissioner, and justice of the peace.
Interested candidates file with party chairs and pay a filing file to get their names on the ballot; independent candidates file directly with the county clerk.
In Kent County, The Texas Spur spoke with Republican party chair Kathy Owen this week, who said that the candidates who have filed to run in the GOP primary are Jeremy Carter and Layne Coulter for county judge; Mike Cargile, Jim Galart and Ray Hall for commissioner, Precinct 2; Jenice Cargile and David Parker (incumbent) for justice of the peace; Robert Graham (incumbent) for commissioner for Precinct 4, and Christy Long (incumbent) for county treasurer.
According to the Democratic party Kent County chair Laci Scogin, Craig Harrison has filed for re-election for the clerk’s position, and his name will appear on the Democratic party primary ballot.
In Dickens County, GOP chair Jody Duggan reminded The Texas Spur that two announced candidates, Mike Smith, precinct 2 and Jerry Alexander, precinct 4, both incumbents, had not actually filed as was reported in last week’s Texas Spur. As of press time, Monday afternoon, neither commissioner had filed but had announced via the newspaper their intention to run for reelection. Both candidates have until December 13 to file official paperwork.
Some candidates have been waiting to file until initial litigation issues with redistricting might be resolved. Federal lawsuits were filed Monday over Texas’s most recent redistricting initiatives.
Two Dickens County officials have announced that they are not running for re-election: Becky Hill, district clerk, and Darla Thomason, county treasurer.
Other candidates filing in the Dickens County Republican primary are Brandi Abbott, who is running for treasurer; Danay Carnes, who has filed for county clerk; and Matt McArthur, who is seeking justice of the peace.
According to Democratic party county chair Alana Pollard, no candidates have yet filed to run in the Democratic primary.
Filing for the March 1, 2022 Republican and Democratic party primary elections continues through Dec. 13. Individuals interested in running for office should contact the county party chairs. The last day to register to vote for the March 1 primaries is Jan. 31, 2022. Early voting will run Feb. 14–25, 2022 and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Feb. 18, 2022.
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