Qualifying for the 2024 election officially closed at noon on Friday, June 14. Five elected officials in Holmes County were unopposed giving them another four years in their current seat. Holmes County Sheriff John Tate saw no competition this election year and will hold the position for the next four years. Holmes County Clerk of Court Samuel Bailey, Property Appraiser Byran Bell, and Supervisor of Elections Rusty Williams were also re-elected unopposed. School Board Member for District 2 Wilburn Baker was also unopposed once qualifying ended last Friday.

In other Holmes County races, a vast array of candidates qualified with many gearing up for the August Primary. All races in Holmes County will end in the August Primary with all candidates running as Republicans except the candidates running for School Board which in a no-party affiliated office every election year.

There are two races that will have a direct impact on the Holmes District school system with one school board member running to retain a seat and a Superintendent race that will be watched by many. School Board incumbent and Graceville (PS community) resident Shirley Owens will be vying to retain her seat against fellow Graceville (PS community) candidate Derek Worley. The school board members’ seats are part of a non-partisan election with the winner of 60% of the votes taking the seat in the August Primary. Another office up for election related to the Holmes County School District is the Superintendent seat currently held by Buddy Brown. Republican candidate and Graceville (PS community) resident Ron Dixon is running against Brown for the office of Superintendent. With both individuals running as Republicans the race will end in the August Primary but all residents, no matter party affiliation, will be able to vote in this race in the August Primary.

Another county office up for election in 2024 is the Holmes County Tax Collector currently held by Harry Bell, III. Bell will be campaigning to keep his seat against candidate Taylor Russ. With both individuals running as Republicans the race will end in the August Primary but all residents, no matter party affiliation, will be able to vote in this race in the August Primary.

The final Holmes County offices that are up for election are the County Commissioner Seats 1, 3, and 5. None of the Holmes County Commissioners ran unopposed with each having to campaign for their seat until August with all candidates running in the same political party. County Commissioner for Seat 1, Jeff Good will by vying to retain his seat against candidate Wilmer Stafford. Incumbent for County Commissioner District 3 seat Phillip Music has chose to not run for re-election with two Republicans vying for the seat. Those candidates are Mitch Johnson and Lee Moss who have both qualified for the office. The District 5 County Commission seat has three individuals running for this seat. Incumbent Clint Erickson will be campaigning to retain his seat in the August Primary against fellow Republicans Ron Monk, Jackie Faircloth, and J. Wayne Marsh.

The August Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 20. Citizens wishing to change their party affiliation or register to vote for the Primary Election must have all forms turned in by July 22, 2024. Early Voting will be Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 17.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Local residents Shirley Owens (L) and Derek Worley (R) are both running for the Holmes County School Board District 4 seat currently held by Owens.

To Subscribe To The Graceville News Visit Pricing Plans.