There will be a new sheriff in town in 2019. Carroll County Sheriff Randy Mayfield did not file for re-election, leaving a field of four seeking that position.
In the May 22 primary, Jim Ross, Alan Hoos, and Jack Gentry, Jr., will compete for the Republican nomination, with Democratic candidate Mark Bailey awaiting the winner.
Green Forest Mayor Charlie Reece will try again to unseat incumbent County Judge Sam Barr (D), but he will first have to get past Duane Coatney in the Republican primary.
At the state level, District 5 State Sen. Bryan King and Rep. Bob Ballinger will compete in the Republican primary, with Jim Wallace of Western Carroll County filing as a Democrat. Either Gary Morris (D) or Harlan Breaux (R) will become the state representative for District 97.
County Clerk Jamie Correia will face challenger Deana Davidson in the Democratic primary, with the winner to meet Republican Connie Doss.
After a long career as Treasurer, Cindy Collins will retire at the end of the year. Either Makita Williams (R) or Kathryn Merry (D) will succeed her.
Assessor Jeannie Davidson, Circuit Clerk Ramona Wilson, and Tax Collector Kay Phillips-Brown will run unopposed. David Slayton has no opposition as Coroner.
On the Quorum Court, none of the 11 seats involves a primary. Justices of the Peace running unopposed include District 1 JP Jack Deaton (I), District 2 JP Charles Olsen (R), District 5 JP Matt Phillips (R), District 6 JP Craig Hicks (R), District 8 JP Don McNeely (R), District 9 JP Roger Hall (R), District 10 JP Larry Swofford (I), and District 11 JP John Howerton (D).
In District 3, Ferguson “Fergie” Stewart (R) will face Laurie “Harrie” Farrow (D). In District 4, Doug Hausler (D) will challenge incumbent JP Marty Johnson (R). Kellie Stevens Matt (R) and Colin Stimson (D) both seek the District 7 seat.
This year will mark a change in school board voting, which will now coincide with the primary election. Formerly, a special election determined school board members. On the Berryville School Board, Jeff Tanksley will challenge incumbent David Waller in Position 1 At Large. In Eureka Springs, Jack Moyer will face incumbent Jason Morris in Position 4 At Large. Gayla Wolfinbarger in Position 3 and Travis Holloway in Position 7 are unopposed.
Jerry King has no opposition in Green Forest’s Zone 1, but incumbent Bud Phillips faces Heath Norris for Position 2 At Large.
County elected officials, with the exception of JPs, will now serve four-year terms. These filing results remain unofficial until certified by the Arkansas Secretary of State.