Qualifying for the 2026 elections is underway in Perry County, with several candidates already in the races as of Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13. Candidate qualifying opened Jan. 5 and will continue through Friday, Jan. 23. Primary elections are set for May 19, 2026, with the general election to follow on Nov. 3, 2026.
According to Perry County Democratic Party Chairman Carlton Hogue, Democratic candidates may qualify by visiting either the Albert Turner Sr. Courthouse Annex or the Perry County Probate Office during regular business hours.
In the Perry County Commission District 1 race, Donald Bennett has qualified along with incumbent Commissioner Albert Turner. In District 2, incumbent Commissioner Anthony J. Long has qualified, along with challenger Earnest L. Donaldson. In District 3, Donald Nichols has qualified.
For countywide offices, Edward Terrell Jones has qualified for another term as Perry County Coroner. Sheriff Roy Fikes has qualified for re-election as Perry County Sheriff. Arthurita K. Smith has qualified for Revenue Commissioner; incumbent Revenue Commissioner Christine Jackson has announced that she will not seek re-election this year. No candidates had qualified yet for Perry County Board of Education District 5 as of Tuesday afternoon.
On the Republican side, Perry County Republican Party Chairman Brett Harrison reports that he is currently the only Republican to qualify so far. Harrison has qualified for re-election to the Perry County Commission, District 3.
Republican candidates wishing to qualify may contact Kathy Cowan at 334-431-1926 or Brett Harrison at 205-300-3352.
