Day 1 of qualifying for the 2017 elections is in the books and there are a couple of big stories already coming out of it. First of all, no Republicans have qualified for any office in Orleans Parish. Meanwhile, Democrats have largely been unable to field credible candidates for either the treasurer’s race or the open PSC District 2 seat.

Here’s the run down so far for qualifying:

Treasurer:
Angele Davis (R)
Derrick Edwards (D)
Joseph D. Little (Libertarian)
Neil Riser (R)
John Schroder (R)

No real surprises so far in the treasurer’s race. The three major candidates: Davis, Riser, and Schroder have qualified. Derrick Edwards and Joseph Little are not expected to have a major impact on the race.

However, if one race is looking for a surprise late entry, it is this race. There’s no one for Democrats to rally to at first glance.

PSC District 2:
Damon Baldone (R)
Craig Greene (R)
Lenar Whitney (R)

Damon Baldone was appointed to fill the seat until the election. He is a former Democrat. Craig Greene is the candidate who will largely have the backing of the business community in the race. Former State Rep. Lenar Whitney is a bit of a surprise entry into the race.

State Representative District 77:
Rob Maness (R)
Mark Wright (R)

The race for John Schroder’s old seat is now all but set. Former U.S. Senate candidate and Air Force Colonel Rob Maness will take on Covington City Councilman Mark Wright.

New Orleans Mayor:
Michael Bagneris (D)
LaToya Cantrell (D)
Desiree Charbonnet (D)
Byron Stephan Cole (No Party)
Matthew Hill (No Party)
Johnese Smith (D)

The three leading New Orleans mayor candidates have qualified in Bagneris, Cantrell, and Charbonnet. But we can’t rule out a surprise qualification in this race.