Sykes, a minister and member of the Weldon City Schools Board of Education, filed for the at-large county commissioner race on Thursday.
His filing for a spot on the county board now pits three challengers against incumbents Vernon Bryant, Rives Manning and Patrick Qualls. Terry Buffaloe of Roanoke Rapids and James Mills of Scotland Neck are the other two challengers in that race.
Withdrawal from the senate race now currently leaves Toby Fitch of Wilson as the sole contender in the May 8 Democratic primary, however he will face competition from Republican Richard Scott of Scotland Neck in November.
Current Enfield police Chief Tyree Davis filed to run against incumbent Sheriff Wes Tripp Thursday.
The filing period ends February 28 at noon.
