Friday’s qualification deadline for those seeking elected office brought at least one surprise: another candidate for sheriff.

James A. Moorer, a retired Alabama State Trooper who patrolled Butler County for a number of years, has declared his candidacy for the office currently held by Kenny Harden. Moorer joins fellow challenger Danny Bond as each will try to unseat Harden, who is seeking his second term as sheriff.

All three are Democratic candidates.

In other local elections, incumbent District Attorney John Andrews faces no challengers in June and no Republican opposition in November. Andrews’ 2nd Judicial Circuit is comprised of Butler, Lowndes and Crenshaw counties.

Also, running uncontested is county coroner Wayne Garlock.

Aside from the sheriff’s race, another election people in Butler County will have their collective eyes on is between Rep. Charles Newton (D-Greenville) and challenger Jerry Hartin of Georgiana for the House of Representatives District 90 seat. Hartin is a Butler County commissioner.

Senator Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne), who is seeking his eighth consecutive term in office, will also face opposition in November. Three candidates, Ray Boles, Ken Barnett and Bryan Taylor, are vying to be the Republican candidate for District 30.

Primary elections for both parties is June 1.