Multiple candidates file for Pine Bluff mayoral race

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Pine Bluff’s political landscape is gearing up for an eventful election season, with a significant number of candidates filing for various positions in the city and Jefferson County. The deadline for most candidate filings was Tuesday at noon, leading to a diverse array of names in the running for the city’s mayoral race, city clerk, city treasurer, and council member wards, along with Jefferson County justices of the peace and constable township elections.

Related news: Pine Bluff mayoral election sees new candidates

The mayoral race in Pine Bluff is particularly notable this year, with at least six candidates vying for the position. Incumbent Shirley Washington will face challenges from Vivian Flowers, Joni Alexander Robinson, Samuel Glover, Steven May, and Charles Washington. Additionally, John Fenley has expressed his intention to run as a member of the state Libertarian Party. Independent candidates like Fenley have until early August to file their candidacies.

For the city clerk position, incumbent Janice Roberts will compete against Mary Liddell. The city treasurer race sees incumbent Gregory Gustek up against Loretta Whitfield.

Several council member wards are up for reelection, each featuring sitting council members facing opposition. In Ward 1, Position 1, incumbent Lloyd Holcomb Jr. is challenged by Marlette Boales. Steve Shaner, the incumbent for Ward 2, Position 1, faces competition from Yvonne Denton. Ward 3, Position 1 includes incumbent Glen Brown Sr., Kenneth Gray Sr., and William Fells. The race for Ward 4, Position 2, features incumbent Bruce Locket and challenger Mar’Tavius Proctor.

In Jefferson County, all justices of the peace seats are up for reelection. However, only seven of the 13 seats have opposing candidates. These include:

• District 1: Incumbent Alfred Carroll Sr. vs. Garland Trice
• District 4: Incumbent Patricia Johnson vs. Win Trafford
• District 5: Incumbent Lloyd Franklin Jr. vs. Jimmy Fisher Sr.
• District 6: Incumbent Margerette Williams vs. Randy Green
• District 9: Incumbent Cedric Jackson vs. Joseph O’Neal
• District 10: Incumbent Conley Byrd Jr. vs. Na-Quicha Terrell
• District 13: Incumbent Brenda Gaddy vs. Bruce Carman

The constable township elections also feature competing candidates. Vaugne Township will see Deshawn Bennett and Leon Warren vie for the position, while Jefferson Township has William Beadle and Scott Dunn. Spring Township candidates include Clyde McDaniel and Richard Victorino.

The primary election for these positions is scheduled for March 5, with the General Election following on November 5. This election season in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County promises to be a significant event, reflecting a wide range of candidates and positions up for grabs. The diversity of candidates and the competitiveness of the races indicate a vibrant democratic process in action.