The state Republican and Democrat parties have released lists of candidates who have qualified for 2018 elections. Primaries for both parties will be on June 5.

Candidates listed as qualified on the state Democratic party’s website are as follows:

•Circuit judge- Terri B. Lovell

•Circuit clerk- Mattie Gomillion

•House of Representatives (District 90)- Joanne Whetstone

•State Senate (District 23)- Hank Sanders, Malika Sanders-Fortier

Local Democratic candidates confirmed by Butler County Democratic chair Jesse McWilliams are:

•Sheriff- Kenny Harden, Carlton Cook

•Probate judge- Steve Norman

•Coroner- Wayne Garlock, Ollie Scott

Current state senator Hank Sanders announced on Saturday that he would not seek re-election for a 10th term.

In a press release, Sanders referenced his recent 48th wedding anniversary, writing, “I realized that when you cannot get 24 hours away except for your wedding anniversary, then it is time to reevaluate.  I thought and prayed on it.”

Sanders said he encouraged daughter Malika Sanders-Fortier to run in his stead. Sanders-Fortier accepted, and is now listed as a qualified candidate on the state Democratic party’s website.

Candidates listed as qualified on the state Republican party’s website are as follows:

•Circuit judge- None

•Circuit clerk-  None

•House of Representatives- Chris Sells

•State Senate- None currently listed

Candidates confirmed by Butler County Republican Party chair Cleveland Poole are:

•Sheriff- Danny Bond