Filings open Feb. 23 for several county, state and federal positions, County Clerk Don Troutman said last week.
Voters will elect six positions in county government. Terms held by Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston, a Republican appointed to fill term of Brad Ellsworth who retired; Presiding Commissioner Don Shelhammer, a Republican; Circuit Clerk Phyllis Staley, a Democrat; County Clerk Don Troutman, a Democrat; and Prosecuting Attorney Mike Anderson, a Republican, expire.
The only announced candidate is Brad Eidson, a Houston attorney, who will seek the associate judge’s position on the Republican Ticket.
A new position will open – recorder of deeds – after the county commission decided to separate the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds.
Shelhammer, a Republican, said he will not seek re-election.
Statewide, Missourians will elect a new U.S. senator to replace Republican Christopher “Kit” Bond, who is retiring. Republican U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat, are expected to vie for the seat.
The term of State Auditor Susan Montee, a Democrat, also expires. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, a Bootheel Republican, faces a challenge in the August primary from Raymondville resident Bob Parker.
The likely Democrat challenger is Tommy Sowers, a Rolla resident who has already raised as much money as Emerson’s challengers over the years.
Texas County’s representatives to the Missouri General Assembly – Don Wells and Tony Dugger – must seek re-election. Both are Republicans. The term of Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield of Rolla, a Democrat, also expires.
Filings close at 5 p.m. March 30.