STARKVILLE — Campaign finance reports show many Oktibbeha County candidates have not received any additional contributions to their campaigns since the last reporting period in May. But funding continues to grow in the sheriff’s race.
The second round of campaign finance reports for May 1 through May 31 were due Friday. Candidates are required to itemize any donation or expenditure greater than $200.
The biggest dollar race is the sheriff’s race, with Republican Shank Phelps and Democrat John Rice raising more than $19,000 for their campaigns since the beginning of the year. Phelps reported $12,300 in contributions total, while Rice reported $6,756 in contributions total.
Since the last reporting period, Phelps has raised $2,350, with contributions of $1,000 from Wayne Phelps, $300 from Cliff Ivy and $250 from both Greta Bryan and Dolen Bryan, with $550 non-itemized.
Rice reported $3,100 in contributions this period, including a $3,000 contribution from Wildlife Dominion, an Oktibbeha County-based manufacturing company, and $100 non-itemized.
Primary elections are Aug. 8, and the general election is Nov. 7.
District 1 Supervisor
Ben Carver, a Republican and current Starkville alderman for Ward 1, reported $500 in non-itemized contributions since the last reporting period and $499 in spending.
Republican Sammy Wade Jones reported a self-funded contribution of $952 and the same amount in spending. Jones told The Dispatch on Monday his entire campaign has been self-funded thus far.
Republican Ed Whitehurst reported no contributions and $126 in spending.
Republican Greg Fulgham did not file a report by deadline.
The two Democratic candidates for the same seat, Erik Young and Ronnie Clardy, both reported no campaign contributions.
Young filed a termination report during the last reporting period. On Monday, Young told The Dispatch he is not withdrawing from the race, but is instead planning to self-fund his campaign.
District 4 Supervisor
Pattie Little reported no new contributions since the last reporting period and $2,641 in spending.
Her opponent, Austin Check, reported a contribution from himself in the amount of $831 and the same amount in spending in the last reporting period. Check’s campaign has been entirely self-funded thus far.
Both candidates are Republicans.
District 5 Supervisor
Republican Les Lindley is still leading fundraising totals for the District 5 supervisor seat, despite reporting no new contributions since the last reporting period and only reporting $200 in contributions since the beginning of the year.
Democrat Walter James Stewart reported no contributions and no new spending since the last reporting period.
Republican Anthony Watt and Democrat Joe Williams did not file a report by the deadline.
District 1 Constable
Republican Kenneth Watkins is still in the lead in the constable race, despite having no new contributions in the last reporting period.
Republican candidate Joe Morse reported no contributions and $1,109 in spending.
Republican Shannon Williams and Democrat William Ford did not file a report by deadline.
District 3 Constable
Democrat Ronald Hannah reported $500 in non-itemized contributions during this report period.
Republican candidate James Lindsey did not file a report by deadline.
Tax Assessor
Current District 1 supervisor and Republican candidate John Montgomery reported no new contributions or spending.
Johelen Walker, a Democrat, did not file a report by deadline.
District 3 Justice Court Judge
Republican Brian Michael Lindner, leading in fundraising with $250 since the beginning of the year, reported no new contributions or spending.
Republican Will McNeel reported no contributions or spending.
Incumbent Democrat C. Marty Haug did not file a report by deadline.
Non-competitive races
Chancery Court Clerk Sharon Livingston, Circuit Court Clerk Tony Rook, District 2 Constable Curtis D. Randle, Coroner Michael Hunt, County Attorney Haley Brown, District 2 Election Commissioner Sissy Smitherman, District 4 Election Commissioner Dave Holley, District 1 Justice Court Judge William Anton “Tony” Boykin, District 2 Justice Court Judge Larnzy Carpenter, District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer and District 3 Supervisor Marvell Howard are all running unopposed.
Failure to submit
Candidates who did not submit campaign finance reports as of Monday morning include Democrat Michael Hunt, coroner (unopposed); Republican Anthony Watt, Justice Court Judge District 1 (unopposed); Democrat Joe Williams, District 5 supervisor; Republican Greg Fulgham, District 1 supervisor; Republican James Lindsey, District 3 constable; Republican Shannon Williams, District 1 constable; Democrat William Ford, District 1 constable; Democrat Johelen Walker, tax assessor; and incumbent Democrat C. Marty Haug, Justice Court Judge District 3.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 48 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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