The qualification period for upcoming municipal elections came to a close Friday and saw three candidates file to run for mayor of Eupora.
Mayor Lamar Dumas qualified to run for reelection to a second term as a Democrat. He will be challenged in that party’s primary on April 6 by Kayla Oats.
The winner of the Democratic primary will compete against Republican candidate Blake McMullan in the general election on June 8. McMullan ran for an alderman seat in 2013.
Aldermen Filers
These are the candidates in each ward who have qualified to run for the Eupora Board of Aldermen:
At-Large
In the only contested city board race, incumbent Gerald C. “Jerry” Gary is running for a third term as alderman at-large. He ran as an independent previously but this time qualified as a Republican.
The only other candidate for the at-large post is Sherman Butler, who qualified to run as a Democrat. Because only one candidate qualified to run for each political party, both men will move straight to the general election in June.
Ward 1
James R. “Junior” Shaw is unopposed for a third term in Ward 1. He qualified as an independent.
Ward 2
William “Billy” Tabb, who qualified as an independent, is the only candidate in Ward 2. Incumbent Howard Rumore is not seeking a third term.
Ward 3
Former alderman Ricky Newton, who also qualified as an independent, is the only candidate in Ward 3. Incumbent Hugh Gibson is not seeking a third term.
Ward 4
Robert Gibbs is unopposed for a third term in Ward 4. He qualified as a Democrat.
Walthall Filers
The village of Walthall will have one contested race in the June general election, according to City Clerk Joyce James.
Alderman Barry Rushing is running for marshal against incumbent Casey Henderson, she said. Rushing has served on the Walthall Board of Aldermen since July, having been the only candidate to qualify for a vacant seat on the board.
Mayor Belinda Stewart is unopposed for another term.
The five people who qualified as independents for the five at-large aldermen seats are assured of taking office in July. Four of them are incumbents: Rodney Crowell, Kelly Powell, Linda Stewart and Jeffrey Tabb.
Krystal Crowell Ballard also qualified for alderman and will replace Rushing on the board.
The list of qualifiers in Maben, Mantee and Mathiston were not available as of publication deadline.
