Steven Kendrick has no plans to reclaim the seat he vacated in pursuit of his failed mayoral bid.
On Monday, the Richmond County Board Elections will meet to call for a special election for Kendrick’s old post of Richmond County tax commissioner.
“That is just not on the to-do list,” said Kendrick, dashing the speculation of some in the community. He emphasized that he will “absolutely not” be running.
According to election officials, Monday’s vote is a formality.
“When Steven Kendrick resigned to run for mayor, the law triggered the need for a special election,” Doss said.
Doss says the special election could not have been held in the June 21 ballot because the elections board must announce the special election 90 days in advance.
The special election for tax commissioner, which is a partisan election, will be rolled into the general election taking place on Nov. 8. The winner will finish out Kendrick’s term which is set to end in 2024.
“Since this is a special election, there is no need for a primary,” Doss said.
Current Tax Commissioner Chris Johnson says he will qualify and run as a Democrat. Even if more candidates qualify as Democrats, there will be no primary and everyone running will be placed on the same ballot with their party affiliation next to their name, according to Doss.
No other potential candidates have announced an intention to run.
Qualifying for the election begins at 9 a.m. Monday Aug. 22 and ends at noon Friday, Aug. 26.
