Who’s looking to run in the Bledsoe County May primary election?
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Interest in the Bledsoe County General Election May Primary is growing. Twenty-four individuals had picked up qualifying papers as of Monday, January 5, for the seven office holder positions, four school board posts, and the 13 county commission seats.
With current County Mayor, Gregg Ridley, opting not to run for office in 2026, the County Mayor’s position has drawn a lot of interest. Republicans, Kris S. Frady and Leland Burks, are the only two individuals who have qualified for the office of County Mayor. Amanda Pack [R] has picked up qualifying papers but has not returned them.
Incumbent Road Supervisor Tobe Smith [R] has submitted his qualifying papers for re-election. James D. Thurman [R] and John T. Simmons [I] have shown interest in the office, but have not submitted their qualifying papers as of Monday.
Turning in her qualifying papers for County Clerk is incumbent Genese Angel Sapp [R].
Incumbents who have picked up qualifying papers but had not turned them in to the Election Commission as of Monday include:
•Circuit Court Clerk Michael L. Walker [R]
•Trustee Tracey M. Cagle [R]
•Sheriff James “Jimmy” L. Morris [R]
•Register of Deeds Jackie Jeanine Boynton [R]
Interest has been shown by James Clint Holloway [I] who picked up qualifying papers to run for Sheriff’s but his papers had not been turned as of Monday.
For School Board, districts 1, 3 and 5 posts are up for election. In District 1, Part A and B seats, incumbent Jacob A. Frady [R] had obtained papers to qualify, along with incumbent Carolyn Oakes [R] for the District 5 seat. Sarah Foust [R] has picked up qualifying papers to challenge Oakes for the District 5 seat.
Those who have picked up qualifying papers but have not turned them in for the various county commission seats are:
•District 1, Part A – Ronald Eugene Sapp, incumbent [R]
•District 1, Part B – Robert L. Reece, incumbent [I]
•District 1, Part C – Roy Clay DeBord Jr.,incumbent [R]
•District 2, Part B – Steven Heard [R]
•District 2, Part B – Andrew Jay Swafford, incumbent [R]
•District 3, Part A – Johnny M. Swafford, incumbent [R]
•District 4, Part A – Matthew D. G. Colvard, [I]
•District 5, Part A – Roger L. Simmons, incumbent [R]
•District 6, Part B – Perry Swafford, incumbent [D]
Election Registrar Lisa Wheeler notes it is still early in the qualifying and potential candidates have until February 19 at noon to submit their qualifying papers. Once those papers are received at the Election Office, she explained, the signatures will be checked on each qualifying petition in order to be certified as a candidate for the primary.
Additional documentation is required if running for the offices of Sheriff or Road Superintendent, she added. Those interested in running for Sheriff are required to have documentation with the Peach Officer Standards and Training Commission no later than February 5. Those interested in the Road Superintendent post must had documentation of the Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board no later than February 5. If these candidates do not have the required documentation by February 5, their name will not appear on the ballot, cautioned Wheeler.
In order to vote in the May primary, you must be registered by April 6.
The Bledsoe County Election Commission is located in Suite 700 upstairs in the Bledsoe County Courthouse. Office hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
