Election | Sedalia Democrat

The Pettis County Election Authority building, 215 East Fifth St, was open for the first day of candidate filings Tuesday, Feb. 24, but office seekers were fewer than expected at opening.

Dawson, Williams vying for Sedalia Mayor seat

Voters will pick Sedalia’s Mayor in the April 7 municipal election. Incumbent Andrew Dawson and newcomer Traves Williams are running for the position. The seat is a four-year term. … more

3/26/26

Pettis County residents will be asked to affirm or deny SB 3 regarding eligible taxpayer exemptions for their primary residence in the April 7 Municipal Election.

Pettis County voters to decide on SB 3 property tax measure

Pettis County residents will weigh in on a statewide property tax question when they head to the polls for the April 7 Municipal Election. The ballot measure, known locally as Proposition SB 3, … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/25/26

Winfrey joins race for Pettis County Circuit Clerk

Green Ridge resident Alexis "Lexi" Winfrey has joined the race for Pettis County Circuit Clerk. Winfrey is the second candidate to file for the Aug. 4, 2026, Primary on the Republican ticket . … more

By Joe Andrews joe.andrews@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/24/26

Four vying for three seats on Smithton School Board

In the April 7 Pettis County Municipal election, voters will be asked to vote for three of four candidates for Smithton R-VI Board of Education. Incumbent Devin Gaspard, newcomer Adam … more

3/23/26

Porter, Robinson vying for Sedalia First Ward council seat

Two candidates are vying for the two-year Sedalia City Council First Ward seat in the April 7 municipal election. Adam Porter is running against incumbent Jack Robinson. Each … more

3/19/26

Smithton Superintendent David Bray reviewed blueprints in his office for proposed school improvements Friday. A $3.5 million school bond issue will be decided by voters April 7.

Smithton voters to consider $3.5 million school bond issue

Voters in the Smithton R-VI School District will decide April 7 whether to approve a $3.5 million general obligation bond issue aimed at improving safety, accessibility and infrastructure across the … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/16/26

Sedalia City Council candidates speak at dueling forums

Dueling candidate forums on Thursday, March 12, gave voters multiple chances to hear from those running for the Sedalia City Council. In the council chambers, the Sedalia Business Women started … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/14/26

Capt. Matthew Gardner and firefighter Matthew Houston wash a fire truck Thursday morning at the station on Clarendon. The Clarendon station was built in 1976 and could see improvements if funding increases are passed in April.

Pettis County Fire Protection District presents levy increase to voters

Voters in the Pettis County Fire Protection District No. 1 will decide April 7 whether or not to approve a tax increase aimed at helping the district keep up with rising costs, aging equipment and a … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/13/26

Diane Simon moderated the Sedalia Business Women’s Mayoral Forum Monday, March 9, with candidates Andrew Dawson and Traves Williams.

Sedalia mayoral candidates face-to-face at Sedalia Business Women forum

The Sedalia Business Women held a Mayoral Candidate Forum in the Sedalia City Council Chambers on Monday, March 9. Moderator Diane Simon posed a series of questions to incumbent mayor Andrew … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 3/10/26

Missouri State Sen. Rick Brattin officially launched his campaign for Congress Thursday afternoon on the south lawn of the Pettis County Courthouse, standing alongside his wife, Athena, and two of their children, Garrett and Hannah.

Rick Brattin announces run for 5th Congressional District

Republican Missouri State Sen. Rick Brattin officially launched his campaign for Congress on Thursday, Feb. 26, on the south lawn of the Pettis County Courthouse, standing alongside his wife, … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 2/26/26

Moderator Lori Wightman asked questions Thursday of council candidates Adam Porter, Jack Robinson, Tina Boggess, Jack Hiller, Rhiannon Foster and Spencer Redford.

Primary election candidate filing off to slow start in Pettis County

Candidate filing for the August primary election got off to a slow start Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Pettis County. County Clerk Megan Page was at the Pettis County Election Authority office with fresh … more

By Chris Howell, chris.howell@sedaliademocrat.com | 2/25/26

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, filing for re-election Tuesday in the 5th Congressional District. The district is at the center of a fight over a gerrymandered map intended to flip the district to Republicans.

Emanuel Cleaver, four Republicans file for Missouri’s gerrymandered 5th District

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was the first candidate to file for office Tuesday in Missouri, showing the 11-term Democratic incumbent will run for re-election despite uncertainty about the … more

By Rudi Keller Missouri Independent | 2/25/26

Midterm primary filing begins Tuesday

Filing for the Aug. 4, 2026, midterm primary begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. The midterm primary, which features Republican, Democratic and Libertarian ballots, features several positions at … more

By Democrat Staff | 2/23/26