ELKINS — Since the filing period began on Jan. 8, a handful of new candidates have made their way to the Randolph County Courthouse to file to run for office.

As of Wednesday, four new candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming May 14 primary election, including two for the county’s assessor position, one for county commission, and one for the Randolph County Board of Education.

The county commission seat up for election during the primary is currently held by Republican David Kesling, who filed for reelection on the first day of the filing period. He will be challenged by Republican Gary Hart, who recently filed for the same position.

Democrat Seth Pratt and Republican Lance Marcum have recently filed for the Randolph County assessor position, which is currently occupied by Democrat incumbent Phyllis Yokum. 

Randolph County Board of Education President Amanda Smith also recently filed for re-election in the Tygart District. One other seat for BOE is open for election in the upcoming primary, in the Elkins District, which is currently occupied by Rachel Anger.

Among those who filed on the first day of the filing period were all three incumbent magistrates in Randolph County, including Tracy Harper for Division I, Mike Dyer for Division II, and Ben Shepler for Division III. 

Republican incumbent Sheriff Rob Elbon also filed for reelection last week, as did Democrat incumbent Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker.

The filing period for candidates will remain open until midnight on Jan. 27.

Candidates wishing to file can do so between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. until noon on the final day of the filing period, which is a Saturday.

The filing fees for the upcoming are: Randolph County Commission, Cheat District, $447.22; Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney, $1,163.01; Randolph County Sheriff, $559.79; Randolph County Assessor, $559.79; Randolph County Magistrate, $632; Randolph County Board of Education, Elkins District, $25; Randolph County Surveyor, $10; and Randolph County Conservation District Supervisor, $10.

The primary election is scheduled for May 14 and early voting will take place from May 1 to May 11.

The general election will be held Nov. 5, with early voting scheduled for Oct. 23 through Nov. 2.

Early voting will be held at the Wees Annex on Randolph Avenue in Elkins, and at the Russell Memorial Public Library in Mill Creek.