Final list of candidates set for Jefferson Davis County primary Aug. 8
Published 9:00 am Thursday, February 2, 2023
The ballot is set in the 2023 election with a large turnout for county offices. Over 30 candidates are vying for positions. Qualifying ended Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m. The primary election will be Aug. 8, and the general election is Nov. 7. The primary run-off election, if required, will be held Aug. 29. The general run-off election, if required, will be held Nov. 28.
Below is the list of candidates and affiliations.
Sheriff
Ron Strickland, Democrat
Duane Dampier, Democrat
Ricky Davis, Democrat
Chancery Clerk
Bobby Rushing, Democrat
Cynthia Harper-White, Democrat
Circuit Clerk
Clint Langley, Democrat
Tax Assessor/Collector
Kelley Ross Brown, Democrat
Coroner
Dedra Johnson, Democrat
District 1 Supervisor
Macon “Corky” Holliman, Democrat
Robert Larkin Jr., Democrat
District 2 Supervisor
Robert Gholar, Democrat
Derek Hall, Democrat
Ricky Barrett, Republican
John Emmit Stamps, Independent
DeWayne V. Gholar, Democrat
Joseph Kerley, Democrat
LeArchie Nicholson, Democrat
Allen Ray Dyess, Democrat
District 3 Supervisor
Demarrio S. Booth, Democrat
District 4 Supervisor
Terry Mathis, Democrat
Michael Evans, Democrat
Orian Hooker, Democrat
Troy Lee Buckley, Democrat
District 5 Supervisor
Earnest Rankin, Democrat
Jerry Gholar, Democrat
James J. R. Griffith, Democrat
Charles Hicks, Independent
Russ Berry, Republican
Justice Court Judge
Post 1
LaTonya Blanchard, Democrat
Bobby Wilson, Republican
Jurtyne R. Youngblood, Democrat
Post 2
Calvin Graves, Democrat
Constable
Post 1
Michael Davis, Democrat
Post 2
Vernon Dampier, Democrat
Denise Jackson, Democrat
Election Commissioner
District 2
Ralph Hanegan, Independent
District 4
Stephen Abram, Independent
Current Chancery Clerk Charlene Fairley is not seeking re-election, nor is District 2 Supervisor Charles Reid. District 5 Supervisor Bobby Rushing is running for Chancery Clerk.
A special election is being held for a 15th Circuit Judge position after former Judge Tony Mozingo resigned last year. Brad Touchstone has qualified for this position and is running unopposed. Touchstone has been acting in this position since Jan. 1 when he was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves.
For more voting information contact the Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk’s office at 601-792-4231.