With the March 8 primary now on hold due to a state Supreme Court ruling Wednesday, the filing period has also been brought to a halt, state and local election officials say.
Halifax County Board of Elections Director Kristin Scott said she received notice around 5 p.m. Wednesday.
In sending out the updated list of candidate filings Wednesday evening Scott said the candidates who have already filed their notices will be deemed to have filed for that seat. If a candidate wishes to withdraw their notice, they will be able to do so under the new filing period when that is established.
(A copy of the state Supreme Court order can be found at this link)
The Raleigh News and Observer reported Wednesday that the ruling delaying primaries until May 18 is tied to gerrymandering lawsuits which have been filed due to maps being disputed.
The newspaper reported the maps would give the GOP a sizable advantage and unless a court strikes them down, they will be used in every election through 2030.
Filings
On Wednesday the latest candidates to file included former North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sergeant Jimmie Silver, who has chosen to run against Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Scott Hall in the sheriff’s race and Roanoke Rapids Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough, who is running to keep her District 1 city council seat.
In the gallery: A photo submitted by Silver as he files for the office of sheriff
https://rrspin.com/news/5192-gerrymandering-lawsuits-halt-primaries-candidate-filing.html#sigProId6ee36b9f1c
In Northampton County Clinton Williams filed to run for the board of education. Three seats are set to expire in that race. Franklin Williams filed to run for a seat on the board Monday.
Branch statement
Meanwhile Wednesday Halifax County Chief District Court Judge Brenda G. Branch, who filed Monday to run against Norlan Graves, who was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper as Halifax County superior court judge after the retirement of Alma Hinton, released a statement on her bid.
https://rrspin.com/news/5192-gerrymandering-lawsuits-halt-primaries-candidate-filing.html#sigProId6cda9c443a
Branch has been an active district court judge in Halifax County since January of 2007.
Prior to serving as a judge she was a legal intern and assistant district attorney. “With over 20 years of experience in the court system she has created many programs that have benefited our community,” the statement said.
Branch was recommended to become chief judge by “retiring, well respected Chief Judge Paul McCoy.”
She served as the first female chief district court judge in Halifax until December 2014.
At that time, she was appointed chief district court judge in the newly merged Halifax, Northampton, Hertford and Bertie counties becoming the first female chief district court judge for the new district.
“Judge Branch is running for Halifax County Superior Court Judge because she believes the citizens of Halifax County deserve an experienced decision making, innovative superior court judge,” the statement said.
Education
North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount — (1989 - 1994)
East Carolina University Graduate School, Greenville — (1995 - 1996)
Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Weldon — (1995 –1996)
North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham — (1997 – 2001)
Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro — (November 2009 – April 2011)
UNC School of Government, Chapel Hill — (March 1-4, 2020)
Andy Little North Carolina Mediation Program, Raleigh — (October 22 – 26, 2019)
