By Rupert Howell
Several local incumbents threw their “hats in the ring,” last week joining Second District Constable Ray Hawkins and District One Supervisor James Birge in a race for reelection in the Democratic Party primary this summer.

As earlier reported, Circuit Clerk Melissa Meek-Phelps joined the list seeking reelection to that office as she completes her first four year term.

Gracie Grant-Gulledge is seeking another term as Panola County’s coroner as she is currently serving the last year of her third term.

County Prosecuting attorney C. Gaines Baker is seeking his sixth term in that office. He ran unopposed during his last reelection bid.

Tax Assessor/Collector David Garner has also qualified for reelection. Garner handily won reelection during his last reelection bid in 2011.

District Four supervisor Kelly Morris is seeking another term of office. Morris currently serves as board president and is seeking his third term.

Willie E. (Bill) Joiner is seeking his ninth term as the Second Court District’s Justice Court Judge. Joiner qualified for reelection Friday, January 9.

Candidates seeking office have until 5 p.m. Friday, February 27 to qualify for local, regional or state offices unless they are seeking a non-partisan position such as school board.
Those candidates must file by Wednesday, August 5 for the November 3 General Election.

District 11 Mississippi Representative Lataisha Jackson is also a candidate for reelection in the Democratic primary to her post which encompasses parts of both Panola and Tate Counties and Republican Representative Nolan Mettetal has qualified for his party’s primary for his multi-county position that includes portions of Panola, Lafayette and Tallahatchie Counies.

Candidates seeking office in the 2015 Primary and/or General Elections are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest with the Mississippi Ethics Commission within fifteen (15) days of qualifying  as well as a campaign finance disclosure report as required by Mississippi law.