While the 2014 federal and state elections are still more than a year away, now is the time when candidates currently holding offices are deciding whether they will run for re-election as well as the time when new faces begin to emerge as the campaign season kicks off.

According to the Alabama Secretary of State, there are dozens of offices up for election in 2014 including the office of governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, attorney general, state senate (all 35 Districts) and state representatives (all 105 Districts), among several other offices. County seats on the 2014 ballot include sheriff, coroner, revenue commissioner and county school board place No. 5.

Covington County’s state senator is Jimmy Holley (R-Elba). Holley, who represents the legislative district 31,is currently serving his fourth term in the Alabama Senate, after serving five terms in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The local state representative is Mike Jones (D-Andalusia). Jones, who represents District 92, is currently serving his first term in the state House of Representatives.

While both would not give a definitive “yes” to a 2014 run, each said they “are making the necessary preparations to seek re-election.”

“I feel honored and privileged to represent some of the finest people in the U.S.,” Holley said. “And it’s a job I enjoy, and I know we all want to see the area have a bright and prosperous future.”

On the local front, Sheriff Dennis Meeks and County School Board Member Jimmy Prestwood responded with a resounding, “yes,” when asked.

“I’ve already begun seeing people,” Meeks said.

Janice Hart, county revenue commissioner, said she is undecided if she will seek re-election.

“I haven’t really made my mind up yet,” Hart said. “It’s a little early yet, so I’m going to take my time to decide.”

County Coroner Norman Hobson said he does plan to seek re-election.

When Hobson’s longtime opponent Eddie Rowell was asked if he plans to run again, he said, “I have every intention to, and the reason I want to be coroner is that – while I am a paramedic by trade – I want to say that if I can’t help a person as a paramedic, I want to help on the other end by extending the caring and compassion to families during their time of loss.”