Vacated House Seat Candidates Set At 7

by Talk Business ([email protected]) 59 views 

The filing period for House District 54 closed at noon today and 7 candidates have declared their intentions to run.

Two candidates filed the necessary paperwork in the last 24 hours adding to the field of potential nominees, according to Secretary of State Mark Martin.

House District 54 was previously represented by former first-time State Rep. Fred Smith, who vacated the seat after being convicted of a felony theft charge.

With filing closed, there are 4 Democrats, 2 Republicans and one Independent vying for the post:

Velmar Bailey (R) – Earle
Kim Felker (D) – Crawfordsville
Willie Gammon (D) – Earle, Ark
John Geeland (R) – Marion
Hudson Hallum (D) – Marion
Lorraine Robinson (D) – West Memphis
D’James Rogers (I) – West Memphis

The independent candidate, Rogers, must still submit 154 signatures to be placed on the ballot.

House District 54 largely represents Crittenden County. A local drawing for ballot positions is slated for later this evening at 6 pm. 

Gov. Mike Beebe set a special primary election for April 12 and a special general election for July 12.