By John Howell
To date, only three incumbent elected officials in Panola County have not qualified to seek re-election, but all three have indicated they plan to run also.

At presstime, the only contested seats in the county are for Supervisor in Districts Two and Four. Keith A. Moore and Donald Phelps have both qualified for the post currently held by District Four Supervisor Kelly Morris. Morris qualified in the first week of this month to seek re-election.
In District Two, William L. Pride Jr. qualified Wednesday to challenge incumbent Supervisor Vernice Avant.

Incumbents David Garner for Tax Assessor/Collector; Ray Hawkins for Constable, Second Judicial District; Gaines Baker for County Attorney; Melissa Meek-Phelps for Circuit Clerk; James Birge for Supervisor, District One; Gracie Grant-Gulledge for Coroner and Willie E. (Bill) Joiner for Second District Justice Court Judge, all also qualified for re-election during the first week.

Incumbents District Three Supervisor John Thomas and District Five Supervisor Cole Flint have qualified for re-election as has First Judicial District Justice Court Judge Mike Wilson.
All candidates to date have qualified to run in the Democratic Party First Primary Election on Tuesday, August 4.

Sheriff Dennis Darby confirmed Thursday that he will seek re-election.

Incumbent Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock said that he is seeking re-election also. He will run as an independent in the November 3 General Election.

Incumbent District One Constable Eric Harris confirmed Thursday that he will seek re-election. He will run as a Democrat in the August 4 party primary.

The qualifying deadline for party and independent candidates is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.