Deadline passes for 2020 primaries; races loom for sheriff, commissioner

By LOU ANTONELLI
Managing Editor

December 9 was the deadline for candidates to file for the March 3, 2020, Republican and Democratic Party primaries.

Titus County will have three Republican contests, with incumbent Sheriff Tim Ingram and Precinct 3 Commissioner Dana Applewhite drawing opponents.

There is also a three-way race for the open Precinct 1 Commissioner seat. Incumbent Al Riddle is retiring.

Ingram, who was elected in 2008, is challenged by Phillip Harris and Dennis McBride, both of whom listed “Peace Officer” as their occupation in the election filing.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Dana Applewhite, who was elected in 2016, is opposed by Matthew Terrell of Cookville, who lists his occupation as “farmer/rancher”.

The Precinct 1 race pits Denise Reichart against Keith Hill and Jeffrey Parchman. Reichert is self-employed, while Hill lists his occupation as “AEP/SWEPCO” and Parchman’s is “operations manager”.

The Precinct 1 race is the only one where a Democrat also filed. Kerry Harper listed his occupation as “self-employed”.

County Attorney John Mark Cobern and Constables Chris Durant and Ray Barrett have no opponents, either Republican or Democrat.

Tax Collector/Assessor Judy Cook did not file for re-election. Melissa Stevens, who listed her occupation as “deputy clerk”, is the only candidate who filed.