One candidate entered, while another left the race for clerk of court on Thursday.

Charles Baker, 54, who retired in December as chief deputy clerk of court, qualified to run in the Republican primary for clerk of court. Baker, 54, served as a deputy clerk for 30 years, serving as the chief deputy clerk for the final seven years of his career.

Meanwhile, J.C. Smith, who qualified earlier in the week for the post, withdrew from the race and entered the race for tax commissioner against incumbent Keith Echols, who is also running in the GOP primary.

There were no new Democrats qualifying Thursday in Hall County.

At the Capitol, state Rep. Amos Amerson, R-Dahlonega, qualified for re-election. Amerson, 73, is facing Lumpkin County Commission Chairman Steve Gooch in the July 15 GOP primary.

A second candidate joined the race for the open seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Bob Indech, 53, an engineer from Norcross, qualified for the Democratic primary. Former PSC member Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr. qualified Monday for the GOP primary.

Qualifying continues through noon today.