Filing deadline nears for March 1 primary

County Clerk Lee Riedel reveal an updated list of candidates scheduled to appear on Gonzales County ballots this March. She also reminded potential candidates of the upcoming filing deadline to appear on the ballot.

The race for sheriff has now grown to three Republicans vying for the spot. Clay Allen of Smiley has filed paperwork with Riedel to name a treasurer for his campaign, a first step on a candidate’s list. He joins Matthew J. Atkinson and Floyd Toliver, both currently employed by the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, on the ballot.

The office of County Commissioner Precinct 1 will get a race as Stephen O. Pirkle Jr. of Gonzales looks to challenge incumbent commissioner K.O. “Dell” Whiddon of Gonzales. 

And Constable Precinct 3 will get the spotlight shined on it, too. Incumbent Constable Derek W. Johnson of Waelder will face a challenge by Mitchell Bennett.

Congressman Blake Farenthold, who is not required to register with Riedel because of his federal office, will face challengers as well. 

A couple of Democrats, Ray Madrigal of Corpus Christi and Wayne Raasch of Lissie, will battle to be on the November general election ticket. No other Republicans were listed on the Secretary of State’s candidate filing website at this time as running for that race. 

And a man with local ties has thrown his hat into the ring to spar again on the statewide stage. Gonzales hotel owner Rick Green has filed papers to run for the Texas Supreme Court Place 5, interestingly enough against incumbent justice Paul Green. Rick Green has previously run for the Texas Supreme Court Place 3 spot in 2010 before losing, and was elected to the state legislature in 1998 before being ousted in 2002.

For those whose interests in obtaining higher office are now stirred, you have until 6 p.m. Monday to register your intention with Riedel. Candidates must also register with the county party chairs, either Democratic Chair Eddie Escobar or Republican Chair Richard Green. Independents must submit signatures for a place on the ballot, which information can be obtained on the Secretary of State’s website.

The primaries will be held on Tuesday, March 1.