The race for probate judge is one of the more traditional races in this year’s primary election, with two Republicans and two Democrats vying for their party’s nomination in the November general election.

A probate judge is a civil court judge and a state judicial official who is in charge of overseeing all aspects of the probate court system. This can include not only the estates of deceased persons, but competency issues and adoptions in some jurisdictions as well. Estate matters are the most common cases heard in probate courts.

Incumbent Brandy Easlick is running against Susan Harmon for the Democratic position while Cary Baldwin and Paul Story look to gain the Republican nomination.
Easlick is running to maintain her position, having been initially elected in 2012 to a six-year term expiring this year.

“I have made many improvements in the Probate Office during my term but there is still more work to do. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Chambers County during the last several years,” Judge Easlick said.

Her competitor for the Democratic nomination is Susan Harmon, a well-known LaFayette attorney.

Harmon explained in a Facebook post, “The probate judge and staff have a lot of different hats to wear and they handle not only tag sales, probate of estates, and deed recordings, but Conservatorships, Guardianships, Administration of Estates, tax sales, redemption of property, mental health commitments, and more.”

On the Republican side, Baldwin is the former probate judge that filled out the term previously served by John Crowder, who retired. He lost to Easlick in 2012. He has said his experience makes him a prime choice for the position.

Opposing Baldwin is Story, a 15-year employee of East Alabama Medical Center – Lanier Health Services. He said that if elected he would strive each day to make sure the citizens know the probate office belonged to the people and he would be fair, caring, compassionate and friendly to all.

The primary election will be held next Tuesday, June 5. Polls close at 7 p.m.