By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
The Democratic field for local offices is set, with the Escambia County School Board District 4 race looking to be the most crowded in the Democratic primary on June 1.
Local Republican candidates have until Friday to file for candidacy in local elections, which include the sheriff’s race, county commission districts 1, 3 and 5 and school board districts 4 and 6.
Three candidates will seek the Democratic nomination for school board District 4, Stephanie Agerton, A.G. “Bo” Brantley and Joseph Hutchcraft. The seat is currently held by Richard Hawthorne, a former sheriff’s department employee who was indicted last year on several charges relating to incidents with female inmates.
Hawthorne was charged with two counts of custodial sexual misconduct; two counts of ethics violations; two counts of prostitution; and one count of promoting prison contraband, second degree. 
Hawthorne has not qualified to run for re-election.
In school board district 6, incumbent Cereal Daniel has qualified for re-election.
In the county commission races, two candidates have qualified for the Democratic nomination for District 5, incumbent Wiley B. Tait and challenger David Allen Quarker Sr.
In District 1, David M. Stokes, the current commission chairman, has qualified to run again, and Larry W. White has qualified for re-election in District 3.
Incumbent Sheriff Grover W. Smith has also qualified for re-election.
The winners of the major party nominations on June 1 will be on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 2.
Candidates for statewide election have until Friday to qualify with the secretary of state’s office.
Alabama residents have until May 21 to register to vote in the primary election.