WALTERS – The filing period for the special election to fill the Cotton County Commissioner District 1 seat is scheduled for May 6-8.
The office became vacant March 27 when then-Commissioner Micah Lee “Mike” Woods resigned in the face of looming trials on a felony embezzlement charge and a multi-county grand jury’s ouster recommendation.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Acting District Attorney Dan Jacobsma dismissed the felony count “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. In exchange, Woods stepped down voluntarily and “shall not seek, or be eligible to hold, public office” for the next 15 years, District Judge Emmit Tayloe decreed.
Woods, 63, of Walters, was serving his second four-year term as a Cotton County commissioner.
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive proclamation scheduling a special primary election to fill the District 1 commissioner’s post on Aug. 27, and a special general election on Nov. 5. If a special primary is not necessary, the special general election will be held on Aug. 27, Stitt decided.
Until a successor to Woods is elected, the District 1 commissioner’s job is being filled by his foreman, John Anderson.
During the regular statewide filing period April 3-5, seven Republicans and no Democrats filed for four Cotton County offices.
• Two people filed for the County Commissioner District 2 seat being vacated by Ricky Vardell. The candidates are Kevin Grimes, 50, of Temple, and Benny Smallwood, 46, of Walters.
• Two candidates filed for County Court Clerk: incumbent Terry Kelley, 68, of Walters, and Gina King, 54, of Walters.
• Two candidates filed for County Clerk: incumbent Joseph Schappert, 68, of Walters, and former Walters City Manager Shawn Strange, 56.
• Sheriff Tim King, 57, of Walters, filed unopposed for a second four-year term.
District 3 County Commissioner Milton Honeycutt (R-Randlett) was elected to a four-year term in 2022. He previously served as the District 1 assistant foreman for three and a half years.
According to the State Election Board, the regular statewide primary election is set for June 18; the runoff primary election is scheduled for Aug. 27; and the statewide general election will be held Nov. 5.