“Candidates will file their campaign finance reports with my office throughout the campaign,” said County Elections Administrator Saundra Bloom. “However, they will officially file their candidacy with the party chairman. Until they have done that, they are not actually in the race.”

Among the seats up for grabs in March is county judge, currently held by Mark Barr. Barr said this week he does plan to run for re-election.

“I enjoy the job, and after the first term I feel like now I'm really beginning to get a hold of it,” said Barr. “So I will definitely be seeking a second term.”

District Court Judge Robert H. Moore III, who has held the seat of 118th District Court Judge for more than 20 years, announced in November he will not be seeking re-election this year. Big Spring attorney Tim Yeats has already announced he plans to run for the seat.

“I look forward to the primary election, as well as the opportunity to serve the residents of the 118th Judicial District as district judge,” Yeats said when he announced his intent to run. He will be running on the Republican ticket.

Also on the March ticket will be the Precinct 2 seat on the County Commissioners Court, currently held by Jerry Kilgore, and the Precinct 4 seat, held by Gary Simer.

Kilgore indicated he plans to run for re-election on the Republican ticket, while Simer will seek re-election on the Democratic ticket.

County Treasurer Teresa Thomas said she will be running for re-election for her current office, as will County Clerk Donna Wright and District Clerk Colleen Barton.

Also up for election in local races will be the U.S. Representative 19th District seat, currently held by Randy Neugebauer (R-Lubbock), and the District 85 Texas Representative seat, currently held by Joe Heflin (D-Crosbyton).

To file candidacy with the Republican party, contact Chairman Craig Bailey at 267-2464. To file with the Democratic party, contact Chairman Roland Gore at 264-7805.

Bloom said the deadline for local candidates to file is Jan. 24 at 5 p.m.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it