Two commissioners also have challengers
By the close of business on March 5, 21 candidates had officially entered races for elected office in Morgan County by paying the qualifying fees, according to Elections Director Jennifer Doran.
While this year’s presidential race is expected to be a wild one, the race for Morgan County sheriff promises to be interesting as well with seven candidates – all Republicans – already throwing their hats into the ring, including Tyler Hooks, Joseph Pritchett, Dietrick Roland, Kevin Berisko, Ryan Morgan, Bo Kelly and the last man to challenge Sheriff Robert Markley in the 2020 election: Kenny Stewart.
More candidates may qualify for the post in the next few days since qualifying doesn’t conclude until noon on March 8.
Three seats on the Morgan County Board of Education are up for reelection this year, and incumbents Cheryl Bland (District 1) and Joe Slaughter (District 2) have qualified to run again.
District 3 BOE member Brad Hawk had not qualified at press time. Bland was the only Democrat to qualify for an office in Morgan County as of March 5.
Three seats on the Morgan County Board of Commissioners are also up for election this year.
Incumbent District 3 Republican Ben Riden is being challenged by Steve Shepard and Frank Heusser, Sr. for his seat.
District 5 Commissioner Bill Kurtz is being challenged by Diana Cossio.
Thus far the incumbent Republican representing District 4, Philip von Hanstein, had not yet qualified, nor had any challengers.
As of March 5, incumbent Republican Wendy Coe was the only candidate to qualify for Tax Commissioner, and incumbent Republican Jody Milford Higdon was the only candidate to qualify for Clerk of the Superior Court.
Republican incumbent Adam Carter has qualified to serve another term as coroner.
Non-partisan candidates qualifying for incumbent court spots include current Probate Judge Charles Merritt Jr. and Magistrate Judge Connie Holt.
Qualifying fees are as follows:
• Board of Education – $113
• County Commissioner – $394
• Coroner–$348
• Clerk of SuperiorCourt – $1,779
• Judge, Magistrate Court – $1,782
• Judge, Probate Court – $1,779
• Sheriff–$2,123
• Tax Commissioner – $1,779
The General Primary/Nonpartisan General Election will be held May 21, 2024, and the Primary Runoff, if needed, will take place June 18, 2024. The General Election will be held Nov. 5 and the runoff, if needed is scheduled for Dec. 3.