With more than five months to go before filing takes place, and even longer before voters head to the polls, the race for Washington Parish President is already heating up.
Richard Thomas, Parish President for the past 15 years, will be retiring when his term in office ends in 2024. He won’t be on the ballot this fall.
Four candidates have already said they are running to replace Thomas, and at this early date it is easily possible for more candidates to join the race.
Announced Parish President candidates are State Rep. Malinda White, Parish Economic Development director Ryan Seal, Parish Council Secretary Sarah Cook, and former Parish Councilman David Anthony.
Rep. White is foregoing re-election to the state legislature in order to run for Parish President.
Seal unsuccessfully ran against Thomas in 2019.
Cook was the first to announce and already has campaign signs around the parish.
Anthony served as Parish Councilman from the Mount Hermon area council district.
But Parish President is not the only race that will be contested this year.
Sheriff Randy Seal is running for re-election to his fourth term, and he already has one opponent. Jason Smith, a former Marine officer from Mount Hermon, has announced his candidacy for Sheriff.
Assessor Jimbo Stevenson and Clerk of Court Johnny Crain Jr. are both expected to seek re-election in 2023. Neither Stevenson or Crain has any announced opposition as of yet.
Seeking to replace Malinda White as State Representative is John Wyble, President of the Parish School Board. Wyble has been organizing his campaign for several months and as of now no one has come forward to run against him.
State Sen. Beth Mizell is running for re-election. She is term-limited, and if she is re-elected this year it will be to her final term.
Thomas, the retiring Parish President, was previously a member of the W#ashington Parish School Board before being elected as Parish President.
Candidates will file for election from August 8 through August 10. The primary will be on October 14 and if run-offs are needed, they will be held on November 18.
