Qualifying update: Two qualify for state house, Anavitarte thus far unchallenged for State Senate

School board’s Vicki Mayes seeks to retain her seat

The newly-formed 16th District is going to see some competition this year as there are now two running from both Polk and Paulding Counties, and the State Senate race is thus far going as expected.

Locally, Vicki Mayes filed her paperwork and will seek to retain her seat on the Polk County Board of Education. Mayes, who represents District 4, will be seeking to also keep ahold of her current position as Board Chair if re-elected to a new four-year term.

In the state house race locally, State Rep. Trey Kelley of Cedartown will seek to retain his seat in a newly-formed 16th district that now includes much of North Paulding and all of Polk County.

Kelley faces a primary challenger in the face of Scott Richards of Dallas, who also signed up today for the Republican Party’s primary.

Richards is a general contractor.

In the State Senate race, thus far incumbent Republican Jason Anavitarte faces no challengers – either in the primary or the general election in the fall. If elected, he’ll be serving his second term representing the 31st district, though with new boundaries. His new district includes all of Polk County and most of Paulding County, though the Dallas-based Senator shares portions of Paulding with Senator Mike Dugan of Carrollton.

In other news, Commissioner Gary Martin provided a statement overnight about his upcoming re-election campaign in the primary against James Vines.

He sent the following:

“First of all, I want to thank the Citizens of Polk County for giving me the opportunity to serve as their Commissioner. Now it’s time to hit the Campaign Trail again. I’m in my fourth year and we as a Board of Commissioners have accomplished a great deal in a short time and I’m happy about that. I’m also excited about the Future of Polk County. We are working to bring Polk County into the 22nd century. With more Sophisticated and Updated Equipment for all Departments. I’m excited for the citizens of Polk County. Vote Martin”

Check back for more updates as they become available.