Although the filing period for the Macon County Sheriff’s race does not open until Dec. 6, four people have already tossed their hat into the ring as possible contenders.
Sheriff Robert Holland, who has held the top law enforcement post in the county since 2002, announced on June 18 he would not seek re-election in 2022.
Four potential candidates have filed a statement of organization, which is required for candidates to raise money or spend campaign money other than their personal funds. Those filing statements are Robert “Bob” Cook, Brent Holbrooks, Dereck Jones and Chris Browning. A fifth person, Clay Bryson, has picked up paperwork but had not returned it to the Board of Elections as of Monday afternoon. All are Republican candidates.
Those filing a statement of organization will have their first financial reports due to the state by July 30, according to Gary Tallent, Board of Elections deputy director. Candidates are exempt from filing disclosure reports if they do not raise or spend more than $1,000.
The county clerk of court also will be on the 2022 ballot, and Justin Stamey has submitted a statement of organization for that race. Vic Perry currently serves as clerk of court.
Candidates cannot officially file to run for the 2022 county offices until the filing period which runs Dec. 6-17. The primary will be March 8, 2022.
In addition to the sheriff and clerk of court races, other county positions on the 2022 ballot will include:
• three county commissioner seats held by Jimmy Tate, Ronnie Beale and Gary Shields;
• two soil and water conservation district positions held by Matt Reynolds and Pam Bell;
• two school board seats held by Tommy Cabe and Carol Arnold;
• the Register of Deeds seat held by Todd Raby.