The municipal election is in the rearview mirror, but the focus has turned to who wants to lead Essex County Council.
The County has confirmed to WindsorNewsToday.ca that candidates have already filed for the open warden and deputy warden positions.
The race for warden is now open after the incumbent, re-elected Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, stated that she did not want another term as warden.
The race for deputy warden is also open, as the current officeholder, Tecumseh Mayor-Elect Joe Bachetti, will run for warden.
Bachetti will run against Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, who was acclaimed for another four years in that position.
Running for deputy warden are LaSalle Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata and re-elected Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.
As of 6 p.m. on Friday, no additional candidates had been disclosed.
County spokesman Donald McArthur told WindsorNewsToday.ca that interested candidates have until 2 p.m. on Tuesday to declare their intentions.
The new warden and deputy warden will be selected by secret ballot during the next County Council meeting, on Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m., in county council chambers.
