The filing period for Baxter County’s upcoming municipal elections began Wednesday, drawing 16 candidates for mayoral, city clerk, and alderman positions across five cities. Among the notable filings, current Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery officially declared his candidacy for a seat on the Cotter City Council. His term as sheriff concludes in January 2027. Montgomery is running for Ward 2, Position 1, a seat currently held by Nicole Hatchet.
In Gassville, three candidates filed on the first day of the period, including Sheila Wingard, who announced her bid for mayor. Current Mayor Jeff Braim will not seek reelection. Also filing in Gassville were Michael Fouts for Ward 1, Position 2, and Aaron Mershon for Ward 2, Position 1.
Mountain Home reported the highest number of filings, all from incumbents seeking reelection. Mayor Hillrey Adams, City Clerk Scott Liles, and aldermen Jennifer Baker (Ward 2, Position 1), Wayne Almond (Ward 2, Position 2), Carry Manuel (Ward 3, Position 2), Jim Bodenhamer (Ward 4, Position 1), and Nick Reed (Ward 4, Position 2) all filed their candidacy paperwork.
Cotter saw incumbent Mayor Mac Caradine file for reelection, while in Briarcliff, Mayor Robert Markham also submitted his documents to seek another term. In Norfork, Mayor Lisa Harrison filed to retain her office, joined by incumbent Alderman Jason Fraser, who is running for Ward 3, Position 1.
The municipal filing period will remain open until noon on Wednesday, August 5. Elections are scheduled for November 3.