County residents will head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections – the most closely contested of which is the race for Warren County District Attorney.

The race pits Casey Strickland, who serves as the second assistant district attorney in Warren County, against Cody Brown, first assistant district attorney. Both Republicans are on the primary ballot and, with no Democratic Party challenger on the ballot, the winner of the primary will be the lone candidate left on the ballot for November’s election.

Strickland recently told the Times Observer she brings experience in prosecuting cases involving some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including children, the elderly, domestic abuse survivors, and animals.

Strickland earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida before completing her law degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law. She began her legal career in Warren County in 2019 as a judicial law clerk for the Court of Common Pleas for Warren and Forest counties. In 2021, she joined the Warren County District Attorney’s Office as the second assistant district attorney.

If elected, Strickland told the Times Observer she aims to expand access to community resources for victims. She pointed to the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center as an example of a program that has played a vital role in prosecuting cases involving child sexual abuse.

“Since I’ve held this position, we’ve doubled the number of children coming forward reporting abuse through this resource,” Strickland said. “When meeting a victim for the first time, I let them know that I will be by their side for as long as they need me. Many victims feel isolated and afraid, and it is extremely moving to see the positive changes that come from successfully prosecuting their offenders.”

Brown has been the county’s assistant district attorney for 10 years, including seven as the first assistant. Brown has served as the director of the Warren County Drug Task Force, is president of the Warren County Bar Association and a member of its Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Brown also serves on the Warren County Child Advocacy Center board and is an elected member of the Warren County School Board.

If elected, Brown plans to enhance collaboration between the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations, emphasizing education and support for the community.

He advocates for initiatives like diversion programs, mental health support, and job training to help individuals rebuild their lives and reduce recidivism. He also identifies the need for increased staffing and resources, proposing the addition of a county detective to address the growing number and complexity of criminal cases. Reflecting on his career, Brown cites his role during the Michael Burham escape as particularly impactful.

As a liaison among local, state, and federal law enforcement, he coordinated resources and provided critical support, showcasing his commitment to public safety and justice.

“I will work tirelessly to establish partnerships with our schools, churches, and community organizations to proactively address and prevent crime. We must invest in programs that guide our youth, giving them the tools to make better choices and steering them away from the criminal justice system,” Brown said while announcing his candidacy in December.

Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene announced in December 2023 that he would not seek a fourth term and instead shift his focus to advocacy on the issue of marijuana. He is serving out his term, which ends at the end of the year.

Also on the primary ballot Tuesday are the following races.

STATE SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

Republicans have a primary between Maria Batista of Clarion County and Ann Marie Wheatcraft of Chester County.

COUNTY OFFICES

The race to be the next Warren County District Attorney will be decided Tuesday with both of the county’s current assistant district attorneys – Republicans Cody Brown and Casey Strickland – running to replace Rob Greene, who isn’t running for re-election.

There is also a primary for county coroner, with Republicans Melissa Zydonik of Warren and Shawn Silvis of Limestone Township running.

There is one contested primary for the Democratic Party candidate to serve as the Warren West Judge of Election between Karen Eggleston and Michael Striker.

WARREN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

All of the candidates for the Warren County School District Board of Education have cross-filed, meaning they appear on both the Republican and Democratic party lines on the primary ballot.

There are five candidates for two Region 1 positions on the school board. Zachary C. Ransom, Savannah Casey, Bridget Schwab, Steve Parinella and Paul Mangione are listed on the Republican and Democratic lines. Voters can choose two candidates. Region 1 represents the city of Warren as well as Elk and Glade townships.

Robert Cook and Jeffrey Labesky, both of Sheffield, are running for one seat representing Region 2, which represents the boroughs of Clarendon and Tidioute and townships of Cherry Grove, Conewango, Deerfield, Eldred, Limestone, Mead, Pleasant, Sheffield, Triumph and Watson.

Mary Passinger and Misty Moore are running for one seat representing Region 3, which represents the boroughs of Bear Lake, Sugar Grove and Youngsville and the townships of Brokenstraw, Farmington, Freehold, Pine Grove, Pittsfield and Sugar Grove.

TOWNSHIP, BOROUGH PRIMARIES

In Bear Lake, there is a contested primary for Republicans for the election inspector position between Barbara Dunn and Susan Crosby.

Columbus Township Republicans will vote in a primary election for town supervisor between Todd J. Walker Jr. and Tim Yetzer.

Farmington Township Republicans will have the choice of Sherry Johnson and Susan R. Sanden to serve as election inspector.

In Pleasant Township, there is a contested Republican Party primary for tax collector between Patricia Cameron and Karen A. Wilcox.

Triumph Township Republicans have a choice for town supervisor between Mark E. McCann II and James M. Zeigler.