WILLIAMSON - Mingo county residents interested in seeking public office had until midnight on Jan. 28 to make their intentions official. According to Judy Harvey with the Mingo County Clerk’s office, a total of 27 candidates have now filed.

For the office of Magistrate, veteran incumbents Dee Sidebottom and Pam Newsome have once again thrown their hats into the race, along with newly appointed Magistrate Dallas Toler. Also seeking this office will be Chattaroy resident, Jim Harvey.

For Sheriff, the three who filed are Chief Field Deputy James Smith, former Magistrate Eugene Crum and Private Investigator Donald Stevens.

A total of eleven people filed for Board of Education, including incumbents Jacqueline Branch and William “Bill” Duty. They are joined in their attempts by Larry Todd Hambrick, Tommy Ferrell Jr., Joshua McClanahan, James “Dave” Farley, Robert Adams, Jr., Gregory Clayton Moore, Lesley Hobbs, Orville Messer and Mark D. Colegrove.

Mingo County Assessor Ramona Mahon is the sole candidate who filed for the office she now holds. For prosecuting attorney, incumbent C. Michael Sparks will face off against Attorneys Charles “Butch” West and Robert Carlton.

In one of the most highly anticipated races of the year, Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden will take on challenger Lonnie Hannah, who currently serves as Sheriff.

The sole candidate for County Surveyor is Jimmy Lee Webb.

Filing at the Secretary of State’s office in Charleston for the House of Delegates seats are incumbents Harry Keith White and Justin Marcum. They are being challenged by Nathan Brown and Marvin Vernatter.

County Clerk Jim Hatfield reminds the public that you must be registered before April 17 in order to cast a vote in the May primary race. For more information, visit the clerk’s office on the first floor of the courthouse, or call 304-235-0330.