The list of candidates for the local election continues to grow in the wake of County Mayor Doyle Arp's announcement he will not seek reelection.

The latest candidate is Jimmy Parks of Loudon, who picked up a petition for the county mayor seat Wednesday. He is the third candidate this week to pick up petitions - a list which also includes Gregory Hackney of Loudon and County Trustee Estelle Herron. The Republican ballot also includes County School Board member Van Shaver, who has been a candidate since December.

On the Democrat side, only Lenoir City Mayor Matt Brookshire is running for county mayor.

Herron withdrew herself from the county trustee race, prompting several new candidates to pick up petitions. Parks also picked up a petition for trustee. As of Wednesday the list also included Mike Cartwright, Michelle Tate Castle, George Miller and Billy Pickle. All are listed as Republicans

Cartwright officially withdrew his petition from the race for county clerk this week. Max Wilburn, also a Republican, is the newest candidate for the clerk position, having picked up a petition Wednesday.