Filing ended Thursday and now the line-up for the October 14 election is complete.
Statewide elections contained no surprises, with most of the major candidates having announced months ago.
In Washington Parish, seven candidates attracted no opposition and were automatically re-elected or, in the case of one new parish councilman, automatically elected.
Receiving no opposition and headed for new terms in office were Clerk of Court Johnny D. Crain Jr.; Assessor Jimbo Stevenson; Coroner Roger Casama; and the following parish councilmen: Joe Culpepper (District 1), Kim Wagner (District 3), and Carley King (District 7). In District 5 Steven Branch was automatically elected to succeed Rusty Fornea, who is retiring.
Four candidates filed for Sheriff and four filed for Parish President. Three filed for State Senate District 12 and three filed for State House of Representatives District 75.
Several offices are open this year because incumbents retired or are in other races. Parish President Richard Thomas is retiring. Filing to succeed him are Malinda White of Bogalusa, David Anthony of Mount Hermon, Sarah Cook of Franklinton, and Ryan Seal of Bogalusa.
75th District State Representative Malinda White is not running again because she is a candidate for Parish President. Filing to replace her are John Wyble of Franklinton, Perry Talley of Bogalusa, and Kelvin May of Angie.
Sheriff Randy Seal filed to seek a fourth term in office. Filing to challenge him for reelection are Jason Smith of Mount Hermon, Scott “Red Dog” Crain of Franklinton, and Kenneth Martin of Bogalusa.
12th District State Senator Beth Mizell is seeking a third term in office. She is opposed by Gloria Kates of Bogalusa and Brittany Gondolfi of Hammond.
For Washington Parish Council, only incumbents in Districts 2, 4, and 6 have opposition this year.
In District 2, Council Chairman Shawn Rice is opposed by Maurice McCraney. In District 4, incumbent Clark Harry is opposed by Bill Lewis. And in District 6, incumbent Reginald McMasters faces two opponents: Candace Bickham and Dwayne Magee.
In the 22nd Judicial District, two judges are retiring so special elections are being held for their seats: In Division A, August Hand is retiring. Running for the seat are Alan Black of Slidell and Larry Frieman of Covington. (Frieman is not running again as state representative in District 74, which includes a small piece of Washington Parish.)
In Division B, Raymond Childress is retiring. Running to replace him are Casey Allen of Covington and Tara Farris Zeller of Covington.
Following the October 14 election a run-off, if needed, will be held on November 18.
