Filings for March Primary are under way

The filing period for the March Primary elections began Saturday and there has already been several filings for places on the ballot.

The Orange County Democratic Party and Orange County Republican Party are accepting filings from candidates who wish to take part in the March Primary elections. Several county positions are open for filing this year.

A handful of candidates have already filed for re-election or for a place on the ballot since Saturday. However, the majority of Orange County Republican incumbents were expected to file official paperwork for the March Primary during a Orange County Republican Party meeting late Tuesday evening.

As of Tuesday afternoon, John Banken (Republican) has filed for re-election to the Orange County Commissioner's seat in Precinct 3. Fellow Republican Mark Philpott has filed for re-election as Orange County Constable in Precinct 3 as well. Judge Dennis Powell (Republican) has filed for re-election in the 163rd District Court of Orange County.

On Monday, Shirley Zimmerman (Republican) announced her candidacy for the Orange County Commissioner seat in Precinct 1, which is currently held by David Dubose who previously announced he would not see re-election.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the only race set to be on the Democratic ballot at this time is for the position of Orange County Democratic Party chairperson. Incumbent chairperson Deborah Mitchell will be opposed by candidate Don Brown.