Interest in the upcoming Covington County Revenue Commissioner race has exploded, with three more candidates qualifying for the seat.

Local Republican Party Chairman William “Bill” Blocker said that list could also grow more before Friday’s 5 p.m. qualifying deadline.

“It’s decision time for people who are sitting on the fence about running,” Blocker said. “Interest so far has been great in the revenue commissioner seat, but it’s been quiet on everything else.”

The incumbent revenue commissioner, Janice Hart, is retiring after nearly 30 years in the office. New qualifying candidates include:

• Chuck Patterson of Opp;

• Lorene McCart of Andalusia; and,

• Gwen Kelley of Andalusia.

The three join Cindy Cook on the June 3 ballot.

Other races on the ballot include:

• Covington County Sheriff, where incumbent Dennis Meeks will face Chris Byrd;

• County School Board Place No. 5, where incumbent James “Jimmy” Prestwood will face recently retired county school superintendent Terry Holley; and

• Coroner. Currently, only one candidate, Eddie Rowell, has qualified for coroner.

To date, no one has qualified for any seats on the Democratic ticket.