A dozen Wilkes County candidates have qualified for the General Primary election in July, Supervisor of Elections Judge Jim Burton said, during the qualifying period that began Monday, April 28, and closed Friday, May 2.

"The following candidates will be on the ballot in the July 15 General Primary," he said.

Qualifying for the U.S. Congress 10th District seat: Democrat Bobby Saxon, and Republicans Barry Fleming and incumbent Rep. Paul Broun.

Qualifying for Wilkes County Sheriff are Democrats Tim Crook, Mark A. Moore, Mike Sisson, Blake Thompson, and Republican Jeff Johnson.

Democrats qualifying unopposed included incumbent candidates for District Attorney Dennis Sanders; and Clerk of Superior Court Mildred Peeler.

Qualifying for Tax Commissioner was incumbent Mary W. Hubbard.

Qualifying for Wilkes County Coroner was Jane Echols.

Candidates qualifying for Wilkes County Board of Commissioners included, for District 1: incumbent Divenski Lee. Qualifying for District 2: Ed Geddings, incumbent Donna B. Hardy, and Olin C. Newby. All are Democrats.

Other Republicans qualifying include William S. (Bill) Jackson, incumbent State Senator for the 24th District; Mickey Channell, incumbent State Representative for the 116th District; and candidates Lee Anderson and Brett McGuire qualifying for State Rep. 117th District.

Jack E. Newsome qualified as the sole candidate for Wilkes County surveyor.

Nonpartisan candidates for the offices of Probate Judge, Chief Magistrate, and Board of Education Chairman and Districts 3 and 4 board members will qualify June 23 through June 27 and will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November.

Candidates for the July 15 primary are reminded that an announcement article of their intention to seek officewill be run free of charge in The News-Reporter one time. However, information for such an article must be received by the newspaper not later than one week after the close of qualifying, which is Friday, May 9, at noon. Candidates are responsible for providing the information and will not be contacted by this newspaper.

Nonpartisan candidates for the offices of Probate Judge, Chief Magistrate, and Board of Education Chairman and Districts 3 and 4 board members will qualify June 23 through June 27 and will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November. Those announcements will be run free of charge in The News-Reporter as long as the information is received by July 11.