RISON - Former Cleveland County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinator Stephen McClellan of New Edinburg has announced his intentions to file as a candidate for Cleveland County Judge in the upcoming Republican Primary Election.McClellan posted a statement announcing his intentions to run on his personal Facebook page Sunday.With the passing of County Judge Jimmy Cummings in August, the county judge's position will be vacant for the upcoming 2026 election since state law prevents his appointed replacement, county road department foreman Jimmy Dale Adair, from running for the office.The filing period for the 2026 primary election begins at noon Monday, Nov. 3, and ends at noon Tuesday, Nov. 11. The primary election will be March 3, 2026, while the general election will be Nov. 3, 2026.There will be three vacant county offices up for election next year. In addition to county judge, Sheriff Jacks Rodgers and Assessor Barbara Reaves have announced that they will be retiring at the end of their terms Dec. 31, 2026, and will not seek re-election. Three candidates have announced their intentions to run in the Republican primary for sheriff: Lee Freeman of Rison, Michael Poss of the Woodlawn area, and Keden Shrum of Rison.McClellan released the following statement on his Facebook page announcing his bid for county judge: "I am honored to formally announce my candidacy for Cleveland County Judge. This county is more than just a place to live– it is home, and it will always be home. I love this county and the people who make it so special."Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as Cleveland County OEM Coordinator under the guidance of Judge Gary Spears. During that time, I helped secure over $5 million in funding for Cleveland County to strengthen our critical infrastructure. "These funds made possible: • Broadband expansion to Kingsland and Rison, • Upgrades to 911 and public safety communications, • Ext...
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