St. Louis County voters are choosing a new county executive for the first time since 2019 after Sam Page decided not to seek another term. The open-seat race marks one of the county’s most significant political transitions in years, with Democratic, Republican and Green Party candidates competing to lead Missouri’s largest county.
CLAYTON, MO – August 3, 2026 (STL.News) For the first time in seven years, St. Louis County is preparing to elect a new county executive, ending an era that began when Sam Page assumed the office in 2019 following the resignation of former County Executive Steve Stenger.
Page, who was appointed in April 2019 and later won a 2020 special election to complete the remainder of Stenger’s term before winning a full four-year term in 2022, announced in late 2025 that he would not seek reelection. His decision created the county’s first open county executive race since the aftermath of Stenger’s resignation.
The transition is significant for Missouri’s most populous county, where the county executive oversees an annual budget exceeding $1 billion and manages thousands of employees responsible for public health, transportation, parks, courts, emergency management and numerous other county services.
An Unusually Competitive Race
Open-seat elections for St. Louis County executive are rare. Incumbents have historically enjoyed strong electoral advantages, making this year’s contest one of the most closely watched local elections in Missouri.
The Democratic primary has drawn three high-profile candidates:
- Missouri State Sen. Brian Williams
- Missouri State Sen. Angela Mosley
- St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman
Because Democrats have traditionally performed strongly in countywide elections, political observers believe the Democratic nominee will likely enter the November general election as the favorite. However, Republicans hope changing political dynamics could make the race more competitive than in previous years.
On the Republican side, County Councilman and former Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock is seeking to return the office to Republican control for the first time since Stenger, who was elected as a Democrat but resigned amid a federal corruption scandal in 2019. Green Party candidate J.D. McFarland is also on the ballot.
How We Got Here
The office has experienced significant turnover over the past decade.
Steve Stenger resigned in April 2019 after pleading guilty in federal court to corruption charges involving a pay-to-play scheme connected to county contracts. Following his resignation, the County Council appointed then-County Council Chair Sam Page as county executive.
Page later won the 2020 special election to complete the remainder of Stenger’s term and secured a full four-year term in 2022.
His announcement that he would not seek reelection means county voters are selecting a new leader for the first time since he entered office seven years ago.
Major Issues Facing the Next Executive
Whoever wins the election will inherit a county government confronting several major challenges.
Budget Pressures
One of the most immediate concerns is the county’s long-term financial outlook. Officials have warned of structural budget challenges that have prompted discussions about spending priorities and new revenue sources.
That debate has become particularly visible through Proposition U, a countywide use tax proposal appearing on the August ballot. Supporters argue the measure would help stabilize county finances and level the playing field for local retailers. At the same time, opponents contend the county should first address spending before asking voters for additional revenue.
Public Safety
The county executive now works alongside the recently established Board of Police Commissioners, which oversees the St. Louis County Police Department.
Public safety remains a dominant issue following several high-profile incidents, including continued concerns surrounding the county jail, staffing shortages and law enforcement resources. Recent reports examining the February jail disturbance have intensified scrutiny of county operations and emergency response procedures.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Road maintenance, bridge improvements, public transit coordination and traffic safety continue to rank among residents’ top concerns.
County leaders must balance infrastructure investments with limited financial resources while coordinating with dozens of municipalities throughout St. Louis County.
Economic Development
The next executive will also oversee efforts to attract businesses, support redevelopment projects and maintain the county’s competitive position within the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Economic development strategies have increasingly focused on redevelopment of aging commercial corridors, industrial investment and workforce development.
Why the Office Matters
Unlike many county governments elsewhere in Missouri, St. Louis County operates under a home-rule charter.
The county executive serves as the chief executive officer of county government, responsible for:
- Preparing and administering the county budget.
- Managing county departments.
- Recommending legislation.
- Vetoing County Council legislation.
- Negotiating labor agreements.
- Leading emergency management efforts.
- Representing the county in regional and state affairs.
The position carries substantial influence over policies affecting nearly one million residents living throughout the county’s municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Democratic Candidates Offer Different Approaches
Although all three Democratic candidates generally support investing in county services, they have emphasized different priorities.
Brian Williams has focused heavily on public safety, economic development and government efficiency while expressing opposition to broad tax increases during his campaign.
Angela Mosley has emphasized community investment, public health and neighborhood services.
Jake Zimmerman has highlighted his experience in county government, fiscal management and administrative leadership after serving as county assessor and previously in the Missouri House of Representatives.
The competitive Democratic primary reflects differing visions for the future of county government rather than dramatic ideological divisions.
Republican Strategy
Dennis Hancock hopes to capitalize on voter concerns regarding county spending, taxes and public safety.
Republicans have argued that recent political trends show opportunities to compete in suburban areas that were once reliably Democratic, although the county’s overall voting history still presents a challenging path.
Looking Ahead
The primary election will determine each party’s nominee before the November general election.
Because Sam Page chose not to seek another term, the election guarantees new leadership for St. Louis County beginning in January 2027.
The next county executive will immediately face decisions involving budget planning, public safety policy, infrastructure investment and economic development while managing one of Missouri’s largest local governments.
Regardless of which candidate ultimately prevails, the election marks the beginning of a new chapter in St. Louis County government—its first leadership transition since Page assumed office in 2019 following one of the most turbulent periods in the county’s political history.
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