This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. The Editor can be reached at 770-468-7583 or at editor(at)PikeCountyTimes(dot)com. Pike County Times is a website for citizens to keep up with local events and stay informed about Pike County government. It began on November 13, 2006 as a watchdog on county government and has turned into an online newspaper.
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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - Candidates have already begun throwing their hats into the ring to run for elected office. In Pike County, the list is long. Qualifying ended today at noon.
The Board of Education District 3 seat currently held by Roger Green has two candidates: Bryan R. Fancher and Emily Green O'Steen.
The following people qualified for the Board of Education District 4 seat currently held by John L. Wynn, Sr.: Connie Green, Robert Adams, Jr., Walter James Brooks, and Marvin (Marty) Wynn. This seat is non-partisan.
In the Board of Education District 5 Seat (currently held by April Byrd), Incumbent April Byrd will face Challenger Parrish Swift. This seat is non-partisan.
Incumbent Probate Judge Lynn Brandenburg has no opposition. This office is non-partisan.
Incumbent Jimmy Thomas and Challenger Gary Hammock qualified as Republican candidates for Pike County Sheriff.
Incumbent Terrell Moody has no opposition for Pike County Coroner.
The following candidates qualified to run for Chief of Magistrate Court on the Republican ticket: Incumbent Marcia Callaway-Ingram, Challenger Wayne Woods, and current Associate Magistrate Judge Loretta Rakestraw. This race will NOT be on the Democratic ballot in July.
[Note from the Editor: Yes, I have been questioned whether Associate Magistrate Loretta Rakestraw can run for Chief Magistrate and work in her current capacity as Associate Magistrate. From my current research, I have not found anything that would require her to resign from her current position in order to run for elected office.]
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners had two qualify to run for this position: Incumbent Doug Mangham and Challenger Briar Johnson. This race will NOT be on the Democratic ballot in July.
Incumbent Donna Wynn qualified as a Republican for Tax Commissioner on Wednesday. She faces no opposition.
Incumbent Carolyn Williams qualified as a Republican for Clerk of Superior Court on Wednesday. She faces no opposition.
District 4, Pike County Board of Commissioners has two candidates on the Republican ballot in July: Incumbent Don Collins and Challenger James Jenkins. This race will NOT be on the Democratic ballot in July.
Incumbent Tommy Powers qualified as a Republican to run for District 3, Pike County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday. He faces no opposition.
ATLANTA - Candidates qualified for state and national offices today too. According to the Secretary of State's Office, here are your candidates for district, state, and federal office.
Incumbent Lynn Westmoreland qualified as a Republican for U.S. Representative District 3 on Wednesday. Challengers "Chip" Flanegan and Kent Kingsley qualified as Republicans on Thursday.
Incumbent Ronnie Chance qualified as a Republican for Georgia Senate District 16 on Wednesday. He faces no opposition.
Georgia House District 131 has two candidates on the Republican ballot: Ryan Christopher and Johnnie L. Caldwell, Jr.
Incumbent Scott Ballard has qualified as a Republican for District Attorney of the Griffin Judicial Circuit on Wednesday. He faces no opposition.
Superior Court Judges W. Fletcher Sams, Mack Crawford, and Tommy Hankinson all face no opposition.
Click here for more information on these candidates including their websites. Pike County Times will provide more information as it is available.