Political candidates have filed to run for office in Cleveland County, with several local offices drawing multiple candidates ahead of the upcoming 2026 election cycle. Filings include a full slate of Republican, Democratic, and nonpartisan races for county, city, and school board positions.
In the Republican primary for county government, Jim Houston, Stephen McClellan, Rosemary Sinclair, and Rickey Spencer have filed for Cleveland County Judge, setting up a crowded primary for the county’s top administrative position.
The Sheriff’s race has also drawn three Republican candidates — Lee Freeman, Keden Shrum, and Brad Young — all seeking to lead law enforcement efforts across the county.
Unopposed filings so far include Brandy Herring for County/Circuit Clerk, Angela D. Kimsey for Treasurer, Patti Wilson for Tax Collector, Wendy Grice for Assessor, Charles “Chuck” Valentine for Coroner, and Bracy Young for Surveyor.
In the Quorum Court races, filings include:
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District 1: Ricky Neal
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District 2: Melody Spears
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District 3: Dwayne Ashcraft
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District 4: Pat “Jo” Keegan-Potter and Ron Workman
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District 6: Owen Rushing
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District 7: Bruce Brown
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District 9: Charles T. Rodgers, Jr.
Municipal races have also taken shape. In the City of Rison, Charles Roberts has filed for Mayor, while Bruce Grubb has filed for City Council Ward A, Position 1; Rodney Reed for Ward B, Position 2; and Cleve Reed for Ward C, Position 2.
In the City of Kingsland, Samantha Johnson and Karen Wiscaver will face off for Mayor, while Howard “Keith” Spencer has filed for City Council Ward 2, Position 2.
Constable filings include T.N. Wilson in Whiteoak Township, Dave Morrison in Harper Township, Daniel McClain in Hurricane Township, Joseph Dwayne Drye in Niven Township, and Joe Allen Clark Sr. in Whiteville Township.
The Democratic ballot will feature several city-level races. In Rison, Michael Barnett has filed for City Council Ward B, Position 1, and Curtis Marks has filed for City Council Ward C, Position 1.
In Kingsland, Lee Penister has filed for City Council Ward 1, Position 1.
Two school districts will also have contested nonpartisan races this cycle.
For the Cleveland County School Board, filings include Nick Bennett for Zone 4, Anthony “Tony” White for Zone 6, and William King for Zone 7.
In the Woodlawn School District, Rodger Stewart has filed for one of the at-large board positions.
