Judge election now contested

A seat for Associate Circuit Judge in Howell County is now a contested race. Marty Simpson, of West Plains, has filed for the Division 3 seat currently held by the Honorable R. David Ray. Larry Burton, of Mountain View, declared his candidacy in the opening week of filing. 

 

Both are running as Republican candidates, which means they will seek the party nomination, and effectively decide who will ascend to the bench. Without any Democratic candidates, the general election in November will be a formality. 

 

Candidate filing for several county offices remains open through the month of March. As of press time, incumbents for presiding commissioner, circuit clerk, Division 2 associate judge, prosecuting attorney, county clerk, collector of revenue,  treasurer, and recorder of deeds are all running unopposed as Republicans.