Qualifying wraps up; six set to face off in race for sheriff

Mar. 11—THOMASVILLE — Qualifying for the upcoming May election wrapped up at noon on Friday, with numerous incumbents being challenged for their seats.

On the first day of qualifying, 13 individuals tossed their hats into the ring. Since then, new faces have come forward, hoping for a shake-up countywide.

District 2 County Commissioner Moses Gross re-qualified for his seat on the first day of qualifying. However, Republican school teacher Louis Schofill has since qualified for the seat too.

District 4 County Commissioner Mark NeSmith re-qualified and will be squaring off against fellow Republican retired farmer Eddie Redding of Pavo.

Current County Commissioner Chair Wiley Grady re-qualified on the first day of qualifying but now finds himself against Library Board Chair and fellow Republican Adrian Burns of the Gathering Place.

District 8 County Commissioner Zippy Vonier also re-qualified and is set to race against fellow Republican and business owner Jimmy Woodward.

For the County School Districts, only one individual qualified for each district, including incumbents for District 4, Chris Hayes, and District 6, Dan Stewart. Mitchell J. Herring, a commercial seed salesman qualified for the County School Board District 2 seat, currently held by Mark NeSmith.

In the countywide election, Randa Wharton remained the only individual to qualify for Clerk of Superior Court, as did Donald Shiver for Coroner.

The opening for Magistrate Court Judge saw another name added to the mix. In addition to Chuck McDonald and Matthew Shiner, who had already qualified, incumbent Attorney "Andy" Seery re-qualified for his seat on the bench.

The election for Probate Court Judge saw only one qualify. Deputy Sheriff Josh Smith hopes to fill the position, which was formerly held by Judge Vickie Burnette.

However, the race for Sheriff is the one that caught most eyes. With Sheriff R. Carlton Powell set to retire, the position drew quite an interest.

Two Democratic candidates, general contractor Gregory Hobbs and Deputy Sheriff Lelia Spires qualified, along with four Republican candidates, including pawn broker and former drug squad commander David Hufstetler, retired state trooper and irrigation contractor Joe Futch, police officer Joey Blackburn and Chief Investigator "Tim" Watkins.

Blackburn announced his resignation from the Thomasville Police Department on Thursday to pursue his candidacy in the forthcoming Sheriff's election. Blackburn formerly ran for Sheriff against Powell in 2020.

The positions of Solicitor General, State Court Judge, and Tax Commissioner each saw incumbents Andrew Pope, Mark Mitchell, and Alicia Hester re-qualify, respectively.

In the state race for District Attorney of the Southern Judicial Circuit, incumbent Brad Shealey, was the only individual to re-qualify.

Also in the state race is the position of State House representative for Districts 172 and 173.

Incumbent Representative for District 172, "Chas" Cannon was the only individual to qualify for his position.

Republican incumbent Darlene Taylor re-qualified for District 173 and is being challenged by Grady County lifestyle coach Theresa Thomas.

In the federal election, Sanford Bishop was re-qualified as the U.S. Representative for District 2. Four Republicans qualified to run against Bishop, including businessman Wayne Johnson of Bibb County, construction superintendent Chuck Hand of Taylor County, purchasing director Michael Nixon of Colquitt County, and substitute teacher "Reggie" Liparoto of Muscogee County.

The election is set to take place on May 21, 2024, with information about all candidates forthcoming.