Dena Klein Perkins will be the next Pettis County Court Clerk after defeating Lexi Winfrey in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
Unofficial results show Klein Perkins receiving 6,418 votes, or 71.5%, while Winfrey received 2,650 votes, or 29.5%.
Klein Perkins said she was overwhelmed as election returns began showing her with a commanding lead.
There were no Democratic or Libertarian filings, meaning Klein Perkins will run unopposed in the Nov. 3 General Election.
“I don’t even know,” Klein Perkins said. “I was just kind of numb.”
Although she had planned to spend election night at home, family and friends convinced her to join them at the Elks Lodge.
“My husband’s a member of the Elks, so we were down at the Elks,” Klein Perkins said. “I was planning on just staying at home, but they kept insisting I come down there. I needed to do that on behalf of my family and friends that supported me, so I thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to join them.’”
As the first wave of results came in around 8 p.m., Klein Perkins said her confidence began to grow.
The morning after her victory, Klein Perkins expressed gratitude to voters and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with succeeding longtime Court Clerk Susan Porter, who is retiring.
“I want to thank God for this opportunity, and I’m honored and humbled by the support of Pettis County,” Klein Perkins said. “I want to thank everyone who supported and voted for me … I have big shoes to fill when Susan retires, and I’m committed to working hard to uphold the excellence and integrity of Pettis County. We have a great team here in Pettis County.”
Klein Perkins also thanked those who worked on her campaign.
“I want to thank my family and friends and my committee of people who helped,” Klein Perkins said.
She concluded by praising Winfrey for the tone of the campaign.
“I want to actually thank my opponent for running a respectful campaign, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Klein Perkins said.
Klein Perkins closed her remarks with one final message to voters.
“Just a big thank you to Pettis County,” Klein Perkins said.
Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.
