The number of local races in the upcoming May primaries is a small number in this area.
In Stone County, there is one race in each of the two primaries. In the Republican Primary, it’s the Sheriff’s race with three candidates vying to become the party nominee: Johnny Rose, Jerry Linville, and Sonya Anderson-Eversmeyer. The winner will meet Democratic and incumbent Sheriff Lance Bonds in the general election. In the Democratic Primary, there is one race and that is for Constable in the 3rd District. Chuck Melton faces Darrell L. Wills with the winner taking on incumbent Constable & Republican Tom Falci in the November election.
In Izard County in the Republican Primary, there are two contested local races — Sheriff and J.P. District 3. In the Sheriff’s primary race, Earnie Blackley faces Carl Russell with the winner taking on Democrat Rick Kimble. In the J.P. District 3 race John Walker and Dale Ivy vie for the opportunity to take on Democrat Jared Johnson and Independent Randy “Hank” Sherrell in the general election. In the Democratic Primary in Izard County, there is one local race and that is for County Judge. Thomas Ward and Warren Anthony Skelton will vie for the nomination to take on incumbent and Republican County Judge Eric Smith. A state race for Senate, District 19, has Sen. Linda Collins-Smith and Rep. James Sturch go against one another in the Republican Primary for the party nomination.
In Independence County in the Republican Primary, incumbent County Judge Robert Griffin is being challenged by J.P. Jason Jones. In the Democratic Primary in Independence County, there is one race and that is for constable of Washington township. Incumbent Steve Davis is challenged by Marlin McSpadden.
And then there are two state races of local interest. For State Representative District 63 Stewart Smith and Bryson Wood will go up against each other for the party nomination. The winner of the seat will represent approximately 30,000 residents.
In the State Senate District 19 race, Sen.Linda Collins-Smith will take on Representative James Sturch for the seat which includes a voting district carved out of Fulton, Izard, Independence, Randolph and Sharp counties. As of the 2010 census, each Senator represents over 83,000 residents.
The Arkansas General Assembly or if you prefer, State Legislature, contains 135 members: 35 Senators and 100 members of the House of Representatives.
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