253rd highlights local candidate signups
The filing deadline came last Monday, Dec. 8, and by day's end, the offices of county judge, county court-at-law, treasurer, county clerk and district clerk were all uncontested races, but there was one surprise for district judge.
Just before last week's filing deadline, longtime 253rd State District Court Judge Chap Cain found himself facing an opponent for that role, as Liberty area attorney Josh Fitzgerald filed in Austin.
Cain has held the office representing both Chambers and Liberty counties since his 1998 election. His opponent is a member of the law firm, Chandler, Cook and Fitzgerald, and serves as an elected member of the Liberty County CAD Board of Directors.
There won't be much action at the countywide level; in fact, no countywide offices will be contested this primary season in Chambers County. Only a commissioner's seat and two justices of the peace contests will be on the ballot, along with several district and state races.
As reported last week, County Commissioner Precinct 4 Ryan Dagley is the only candidate to file in the Republican Primary for the office of county judge, as he looks to fill the seat of longtime Judge Jimmy Sylvia. Barring a write-in candidate, Dagley will win that seat with no Democratic challenger next November.
County Court-at-Law Judge Cindy S. Price, County Clerk Heather Hawthorne, County Treasurer Nicole Whittington and District Patti L. Henry will take another term with no opposition in the GOP Primary, and no Democrat challenges.
As for Dagley's seat, a pair of candidates have filed to run for Precinct 4, and both have some experience as former commissioners. Rusty Senac and Rev. Bill Wallace both filed to be considered for that position.
In the race for Precinct 2, incumbent Mark Tice will face no opposition.
There will be a pair of contested races for justice of the peace, while incumbents Precinct 1 Celia Devillier, Precinct 2 Mike Wheat and Precinct 4 Blake Sylvia will face no opposition.
The contested races in Precincts 5 and 6 will feature a trio of candidates vying for each seat.
In Precinct 5, incumbent David Hatfield will face Cindy Davis and former Constable Bradley Moon.
The race for Precinct 6 will see Jimmy Wade Smith, James Moss and Amanda Cordell vying to replace Larry Cryer.
The Progress will have more on other area races of interest at the state and federal levels.