Qualifying for local political offices begins tomorrow.  Chattooga County Election Superintendent Jon Payne told AM 1180 News that his office is prepared for what could be an interesting week in local politics.

Most of the county’s elected positions will be on the ballot this year, with the local Republican and Democratic Primary to be held on May 24^th and the General Election coming up in November.

Candidates may qualify for several offices, including: Chattooga County Sole Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Magistrate Judge, Probate Judge, Tax Commissioner and Coroner. 

All of the incumbent political office holders have indicated that they will run for election.  Two candidates have already announced their plans to run against incumbents.  Republican Rickey Hughes plans to qualify this week to run against incumbent Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Kathy Brown. 

Jimmy Holbrook, owner and General Manager of AM 1180 Chattooga County Radio, has announced his plans to run in the Democratic Primary for the office of Sole Commissioner which is currently held by Jason Winters.  Winters has said that he plans to qualify as a Republican after being elected as a Democrat in 2012. 

Winters switched his political affiliation in the spring of 2015.