Clay County Candidates File for 2026 Election Cycle

Staff Report

Candidate filings for the 2026 election cycle in Clay County continue to take shape as the filing period heads into its final days. According to the most recent filings, a wide field of candidates has entered races for county commission seats, school board positions, and several countywide offices. The filing period officially closes Friday, Dec. 19.

The Clay County Board of Commissioners race has drawn the largest number of candidates so far. Republicans Andy James, George Denham, Bonnye Williams, Jason Rickett, Christian Reagan, Robert Seibert, Tighe White, and Dwight McClure have all filed for commissioner seats. Democrat Keyla Youngblood-Stillwell has also entered the commissioners race, along with unaffiliated candidates Sandy Zimmerman and Ronnie Byers.

Several other county offices are also seeing activity. Mark Buchanan and Joe Shook have both filed as Republican candidates for sheriff. Tim Barrett has filed as a Republican for clerk of court, while Angie Shook has filed for register of deeds. School board races include Republicans incumbent Jason Shook along with Keith Parker, as well as unaffiliated candidate Jessica McClure.

With the filing deadline approaching, additional candidates may still enter races before the period closes Friday. Voters are encouraged to stay informed as the candidate field becomes final and the 2026 campaign season officially begins in Clay County.