Several candidates join local races

Two have joined the tax collector race – Heather Crabb and Jonathan Rider, both on the Republican ticket. The incumbent, Larry Ross, is seeking reelection as an independent candidate.

The only other race to pick up a new candidate is circuit clerk, with Nestly Gates filing to run as a Democratic candidate against incumbent Crystal Starling, who has changed her party affiliation.

Starling and the incumbent tax assessor, Sandy Coleman Mitchell, initially qualified to run as independents but have moved to the Republican ticket.

“When I entered the race four years ago, I was fairly new to politics and didn’t feel like the tax assessor should be a partisan position, and I still believe that’s the case,” Mitchell told the Daily Corinthian after switching on Friday. “However, I do believe it is important for my voters to know my personal beliefs when they go into the voting booth, and I more closely align with what the Republicans stand for. As your Alcorn County tax assessor, this office is proud to provide service to everyone.”

Starling also addressed her decision to affiliate with the Republican Party.

“My number one focus is doing the job I’m elected to do – serving the residents of Alcorn County,” she said. “However, I am an elected official and the political party that represents me matters. My conservative personal beliefs align with the Republican Party, but, as always, the Circuit Clerk’s Office remains an office for everyone.”

This year’s shortened qualifying period wraps up at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Candidates who have filed through Friday:

Sheriff: Ben Caldwell (R, inc.)

Supervisor District 1: Lowell Hinton (I, inc.)

Supervisor District 2: James Voyles (R, inc.)

Supervisor District 3: Tim Mitchell (R, inc.)

Supervisor District 4: Steve Glidewell (R, inc.)

Supervisor District 5: Jackie Cooksey (R), Jimmy Tate Waldon (R, inc.)

Tax assessor: Sandy Coleman Mitchell (R, inc.)

Tax collector: Heather Crabb (R), Jonathan Rider (R), Larry Ross (I, inc.)

Circuit clerk: Nestly Gates (D), Crystal Starling (R, inc.)

Chancery clerk: Kenneth Brawner (R), Willie D. Justice (I), W. Brett Marlar (R), Keith Settlemires (R)

Coroner: Jay Jones (R, inc.), Ron Strom (R)

Constable Post 1: George Haynie (R), Chuck Hinds (R, inc.)

Constable Post 2: Wayne Duncan (R), Roger Voyles (R)

County attorney: Bob Moore (I, inc.)

Justice court judge Post 1: Jeremy Blaylock (R, inc.)

Justice court judge Post 2: Paul Copeland (R), William Everett Davis (R), Jimmy McGee (R, inc.)

Election commissioner Second District: John H. Peebles (I, inc.)

Election commissioner Fourth District: Keith “Dude” Conaway (R, inc.)

Election commissioner Fifth District (nonpartisan special election): Timmy D. Wilbanks (inc.)