Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide the Democratic candidate for Jefferson County Sheriff as well as candidates for state races in both parties during the Democratic and Republican Joint Party runoff election.

Two candidates — both longtime area law enforcement officers — are vying for the Democratic sheriff’s position including Zena Stephens and Joe “QB” Stevenson.

Stephens is a former deputy chief with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. She currently serves as the Prairie View A&M Chief of Police. She has a total of 26 years law enforcement experience — 11 of that as Jefferson County Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement.

Stevenson started his law enforcement career in 1983 as a corrections officer. He was also Precinct 6 Constable. In 2012, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for sheriff against incumbent Mitch Woods.

The winner will face Republican candidate Ray Beck in the November General Election. Beck ran uncontested to gain his party’s nomination.

Also on the Democratic ticket is a runoff between Cody Garrett and Grady Yarbrough for the party’s candidate for Railroad Commissioner.

On the Republican ballot voters will decide their candidate for Railroad Commissioner by electing either Gary Gates or Wayne Christian.

Republicans Ray Wheless and Mary Lou Reel are in a runoff for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2. Scott Walker and Brent Webster are vying for their party’s nomination for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5.

Voters must bring one form of approved photo ID to vote.

 

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Hebert Library 2025 Merriman St. Port Neches

Central Gardens Fire Station 3707 Central Blvd. Nederland

Groves Elementary 3901 Cleveland Ave. Groves

Nederland City Hall 207 N. 12^th St. Nederland

Jerry Ware Airport Terminal 5000 Jerry Ware Dr. Beaumont

LaBelle-Fannett VFD 12880 FM 365 Beaumont

Marion and Ed Hughes Public Library 2712 Nederland Ave. Nederland

Port Neches City Hall 1005 Merriman Port Neches

West Groves Education Center 5840 W. Jefferson Blvd. Groves

DeQueen Elementary 740 DeQueen Blvd. Port Arthur

El Vista Community Center 615 Ellias St. Port Arthur

Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse 525 Lakeshore Drive Port Arthur

Memorial Ninth Grade Academy 2441 61^st St. Port Arthur

O.W. Collins Retirement Center 4440 Gulfway Drive Port Arthur

Port Arthur Public Library 4615 Ninth Ave. Port Arthur

Port Arthur Recreation Center 1308 Ninth Ave. Port Arthur

R.L. Gabby Eldridge Center 5262 S. Gulfway Drive Sabine Pass

Travis Elementary 1115 Lakeview Ave. Port Arthur

Willie Ryman III Community Center 3248 39th St. Port Arthur

Hamshire Community Building 12393 2^nd Street Hamshire

Jefferson County Courthouse 1001 Pearl St. Beaumont

 

409-721-2428

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