Marion County’s August Primary Ballot Includes Contested County, Legislative Races

PALMYRA, Mo. — Marion County voters will have several contested races to consider when they head to the polls for the August 2026 primary
election.
Among local offices, Republicans dominate much of the county ballot, though Democrats will appear in a handful of races.
For associate circuit judge, Republican Jennifer A. Richardson of Monroe City is the lone candidate filed.
The Republican primary for presiding commissioner will feature Darin D. Redd of Taylor and Scott Haycraft of Hannibal.
Republican Marla Meyers of Palmyra is unopposed for county clerk.
Collector of revenue is one of the few local races drawing candidates from both major parties, with Democrat Teya Stice of Palmyra and Republican Donna Goodin of Hannibal filing for the office.
Republicans also are unopposed in several other county races. Joelle Fohey of Palmyra filed for treasurer, Staci Bryant of Hannibal for recorder of deeds, and Luke A. Bryant of Hannibal for prosecuting attorney.
Two Republican contests are set for circuit clerk. In District I, Vicki L. Payne of Monroe City and Michelle Hetzler of Hannibal have filed. In District II, Sara J. Masterson of Monroe City and Stefanie Crume of Hannibal will face off in the Republican primary.
Further down the ballot, voters in the 5th District will choose party nominees for state representative.
Four Republicans have filed for the seat: Justin Barnhart of New London, Roth Mcelvain of Palmyra, Rose Ghattas of Hannibal and Lyndon Bode of Palmyra. Democrat John Paul Tomko of Hannibal also has filed for the office.
For state senator in District 18, the seat is open because incumbent Cindy O’Laughlin is term-limited. Republicans seeking the nomination are Dusty Blue of Mexico, Ed Lewis of Moberly and Greg Sharpe of Ewing. Democrats filed for the
race are Nick Miller of Mexico and John Leykamp of Centralia.
In the 6th Congressional District, the race opened after U.S. Rep. Sam Graves announced last week he will not seek re-election. Republicans filing for the seat are Jim Ingram of Kansas City, Chris Stigall of Holt, Nathan Hall Willett of Kansas City, Cody J. Oshel of Maryville and Nathanael Schultz of Bowling Green. Democrats in the race are Josh Smead of Liberty, Scot Pondelick of Kansas City and Matt Levine of Kansas City. Libertarian Andy Maidment of Kearney also has filed.
Missouri voters also will choose party nominees for state auditor, the only statewide office on the primary ballot. Republican incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick of Shell Knob is seeking re-election and faces Gerald “Jerry” Wistrand Jr. of Oak Grove in the Republican primary. Democrats Quentin Wilson of St. Louis and Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles also have filed, along with Libertarian
Dustin Coffell of Lake St. Louis.
Winners of the Aug. 4 primary will advance to the Nov. 3 General Election.