Monday was a busy day at the Lenoir County Board of Election, with eight candidates filing for state and local offices on the first day of filing eligibility. Most of those filing were incumbents.

Stephen LaRoque, candidate for reelection to the state House of Representatives from District 10, incumbent Lenoir County Sheriff Billy Smith, incumbent Clerk of Courts Dawn Stroud, incumbent Lenoir County Board of Commissioners members George Graham and Chris Humphrey were among the early filers, as were Claude Stroud and Nelson Johnson.

Claude Stroud, a Democrat, is running for the board of commissioners seat being vacated by Commissioner Wayne Pittman, who announced he would not seek reelection.

Johnson, a Democrat, is challenging Dawn Stroud, Republican, for the clerk’s office.

Kinston Councilman Van Braxton was the last candidate to file Monday. Braxton, a Democrat, is challenging LaRoque for the House seat. If Braxton wins the race, his seat on the City Council will become open.

No challengers filed Monday for seats held now by Smith, Graham and Humphrey.

Three seats are open on the Lenoir County Board of Education, three on the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners, the sheriff’s seat, the 10th state Senate seat held by Democrat Charlie Albertson from Duplin County, the 10th state House seat, the 12th state House seat held by William Wainwright, a Democrat from Craven County, and various judgeships.

The filing period closes at noon Feb. 28. The primary election will be held May 2. The General Election will be Nov. 7.

Print this page

Have an opinion. Register Here and post on our Message board.