Last updated: Nov 29, 2025

Political Context: The county has a one-party monopoly (R) on political power.   The local party influences who can run for office, be appointed to boards and commissions, and even obtain and keep a county government job. Consequently, loyalty to the party and its agenda can too often take precedence over supporting candidates and policies that could produce better results for the county.

Preview of seats open in the 2026 election. Candidates can begin filing for candidacy in the 2026 Primary Election on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, through Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, until noon. Includes the Auditor position and four (4) council seats.

 2026 Elections

Auditor:  Julia Reeves is finishing two four-year terms and is not running for 3rd term.

• • Expectations for qualifications?  Experience with developing, changing, and managing government (county) budgets. Knowledge of basic accounting to include the difference between cash and accrual, fund accounting, auditing, and managerial accounting.
  • Curious and the desire to learn.  Ability to apply what is learned to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. County finance and accounting differ significantly from private-sector accounting.  There will likely be a learning curve.

Council seats up for election in 2026: Huett, Byrd, Kirby, Kemp

• • District 1. Gary Huett: Appointed to the council in 2019. Elected in 2022-26.
  • District 2. Darren Byrd: elected 2014? 2018, 2022-26.
  • District 3: Joel Kirby: Elected 2022-26
  • District 4: Jim Kemp: Elected 2022-26
  • At-large: Patrick Nielander: 2024-2028
  • At large: Judy-Swift Powdrill: 2024-2028
  • At large: Scott Rudd: elected 2020 (at large) and 2024. (Possibly (?) running for commissioner, District 2 in 2026).
• Commissioner Seats up for election in 2026: District 2 – Ron Sanders
  • District 2: Ron Sanders (2022-2026)
  • District 1: Tim Clark (2024-2028)
  • District 3: Kevin Patrick (2024-2028).