Qualifying for municipal races is complete, and several cities will see mayoral elections this year.
In Newton, Mayor Murray Weems will be challenged by Antonio Terrell Hoye. They are both running as Democrats
In a bit of a surprise, long-time Alderman Michael Hillie is facing three opponents in Ward 1. His Democratic challenger is Tracy Beal. Arthur C. Nelson and Candace Bender are also independent candidates. That means there will be a primary election in April.
Bob Bridges is unopposed as independent in Ward 2.
Eric McCalphia, the incumbent Democrat in Ward 3, will take on former Alderwoman Eva Lois McDonald.
Jessie James Snow, Dan Moncrief and LaToyia Hunt are all running for Ward 4 after Romonica Evans chose not to seek reelection for a full term. She won election after Alderman Ray Payne suddenly passed away in 2017.
Karri “Kitt” Silva will have opposition in Ward 5 after Temeka Drummond qualified last week. Linda Wash did not seek reelection.
Union
The City of Union will have three people on the ballot to replace retiring Mayor Wayne Welch. Republican Brad Capps was the last mayoral candidate to qualify. He joins fellow Republicans Rex Germany, who is currently serving as Ward 2 alderman, and John Evans. That means there will be a primary election on April 6 and a possible primary runoff on April 27.
Union now has competition for three alderman positions in addition to Mayor.
In Ward 5, Ricky Sistrunk and Zach Robinson both qualified as Republicans while Billie McCune as a Democrat.
In Ward 2, Robert Blount and Vince McElhenney both qualified as Republicans.
Democratic incumbent Billy J. McCune will have a Republican challenger in Ward 3. Jason Frulla qualified before the deadline.
Other candidates who have qualified in Union include Ward 1 incumbent Paul Lowery, and Ward 4 incumbent Harvey Hickmon.
Decatur
Max Anderson and David Addy have both qualified to run for mayor after David Marshall decided not to seek a second term.
Here are the other candidates who have qualified:
DECATUR CANDIDATES
William "Bill" Johnston—Ward 1
Mark Buntyn*—Ward 2
Michael Harris*—Ward 3
Danny Cherry*—Ward 4
Phil Sutphin*—Ward 5
*-Denotes incumbent
HICKORY CANDIDATES
Carolyn Burks—Mayor
Michael Evans—Mayor
Lori Ann Gallaspy—Ward 1
Billie Robinson—Ward 1
Maggie Nichols—Ward 2
Ken Morgan—Ward 3
Jessel Phillips—Ward 4
Charles Guyse—Ward 4
Donna Ferguson—Ward 5
Etta Robinson—Ward 5
LAKE CANDIDATES
Paul F. Tadlock—Alderman
Bobby Luckett—Alderman
Chad Hillman—Alderman
Kimberly Gladney—Alderwoman
Erin Plunkett—Alderman
Donald Simpson—Mayor
Johnny Doener—Mayor
Kettra Tally—Alderwoman
SEBASTOPOL CANDIDATES
Randy Peoples—Alderman
Renita Wilcher—Alderman
Jeff Taylor—Alderman
Tara Boykin—Alderwoman
Al Easom—Alderman
Shawn Johnson—Alderman
Jason Greene—Alderman
Greg McGarrity*—Mayor
