Update: 8:30am 8/26/26
While it appeared Landon “Rudy” Rudolph had intentions to run for a council seat, he has since clarified that he was only going through the process in an effort to show others how to go about it. We reported Tuesday afternoon, the first day for folks to pick up petition paperwork, that Rudolph had picked up that paperwork signaling his intention to run for the seat currently held by appointee Sheri Stevens representing Ward 2. Rudolph reached out to WROY/WRUL News with an official statement Wednesday morning stating…
For clarification, at the time I picked up the candidate packet, I had no intention of running for office. I obtained the packet solely for illustrative and educational purposes—to demonstrate and explain the electoral process to the public.
No nominating-petition signatures were solicited, collected, or submitted. I did not complete or file a Statement of Candidacy or any nomination papers. The packet was not submitted as a filing or used to declare me a candidate. This was an educational exercise intended to promote public understanding and election transparency, not an attempt to mislead anyone or interfere with the electoral process.
As of Wednesday morning in Carmi, Mark Blake has picked up paperwork for Ward 3, Stevens for Ward 2, and newcomer Chula Fleming for Ward 1. Other current seat holders who haven’t yet picked up include Jeremy Courson and Lacey Bradshaw. City Clerk Cynthia Attebury says Chantel Sullivan has also picked up for Ward 4 since our check in yesterday at noon.
Original story: The 2027 consolidated election is still more than 7 months away, but planning is underway for those interested in serving the public. In Carmi, petition circulation is underway and four individuals have signaled their intention to run. They include the longest serving councilman, the newest on the council who was appointed and sworn in June 16th, and also two fresh candidates. Mark Blake, the longest serving council representative has picked up paperwork for Ward 3. Sheri Stevens, just appointed to the board about two months ago has picked up paperwork for Ward 2. It appears she’ll be facing off with Landon “Rudy” Rudolph, who has also picked up petition paperwork for Ward 2. Additionally, Chula Fleming has picked up paperwork for a Ward 1 seat. Other current seat holders who haven’t yet picked up paperwork include Jeremy Courson and Lacey Bradshaw.
In Grayville, Mayor Travis Thompson has picked up paperwork marking his intention to continue his 8 years of work. Former commissioner Andy Brock has also picked up paperwork indicating his plans to run for a commissioner seat.