State Rep. Holly Rehder of Sikeson squeaked by State Rep. Kathy Swan of Cape Girardeau in Tuesday’s primary election to be the Republican nominee for state senator of Dist. 27.
Although Swan was a big favorite among Cape County voters (8,598 to to 5,787), the tally among all voters in the state senate district was much closer: Rehder defeated Swan by less than half a percentage point: 16,834 (50.21 percent) to 16,693 (49.79 percent).
Rehder will face Democrat candidate Donnie Owens in the Nov. 3 general election. Owens ran unopposed Tuesday and received 2,206 votes.
Republican Ruth Ann Dickerson handily defeated Drew Juden to retain her position as Cape Girardeau County sheriff. She garnered 10,457 votes (71.39 percent) to Juden’s 4,191 (28.61 percent).
Dickerson is unopposed in the general election, assuring her another term as sheriff.
“I want to thank the people of Cape Girardeau County for standing behind me,” Dicker-son said. “It has been an honor to serve as sheriff for the past two years, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving this community. Cape Girardeau County is not just my home, it is my heart, and ensuring our continued safety is my highest priority.”
Dickerson has worked in Cape Girardeau County law enforcement for more than 34 years and has served as Sheriff since 2018. She has worked with numerous law enforcement groups throughout her career, including the SEMO Drug Task Force, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT), and the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad.
Also keeping his seat is Cape County Commissioner Paul Koeper. Koeper collected 4,161 votes (48.14 percent). His Republican challengers Dwayne Kirchhoff received 3,141 votes (36.43 percent) and Josh Biester received 1,333 votes (15.42 percent). Koeper faces no Democrat opponent in November.
In the county coroner’s race, Republican Wavis Jordan won big over two other candidates. Jordan received 5,408 votes (39.47 percent); Dennis Turner, 4,684 votes (34.18 percent); and K. Gerald “Jerry” Swan, 3,610 votes (26.35 percent). Jordan faces no Democrat opponent in November.
In Cape Girardeau, State Sen. Wayne Wallingford defeated John Voss in a close race for state representative in Dist. 147 on the Republican ticket. Wallingford collected 2,801 votes (51.77 percent) and Voss received 2,609 votes (48.23 percent). In November, Wallingford will face Democrat Andy Leigh-ton, who ran unopposed Tuesday, collecting 1,388 votes.
Medicaid will be expanded in Missouri, as Amendment 2 to the Missouri Constitution passed on a vote of 672,967 (53.25 percent) “Yes” to 590,809 (46.75 percent) “No.”
Gov. Mike Parson received more than 75 percent of the Republican votes (510,471) in his quest for reelection against three challengers. He will face Democrat Nicole Galloway Nov. 3. She handily defeated four other Democrat candidates, receiving more than 84 percent of the Democrat votes (453,331).
Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe easily defeated his three Republican challengers as he received355,419 votes (58.992 percent). His Democrat challenger in November will be Alissia Canady, who defeated Gregory A. Upchurch 370,299 votes (73.543 percent) to 133,216 votes (26.457 percent).
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft sent a special message via social media to local election authorities, poll workers and voters for “a job well done,” working together to make the August primary election a success.
“I want to thank our poll workers across the state – thousands of them – who showed up and made it possible for the people of Missouri to vote,” Ashcroft said. “And I want to thank the people of Missouri for showing up and making sure their voices were heard. That’s three times under COVID-19 that Missouri has shown the country how to have good elections – safe, secure and healthy. Let’s do it again in November.”
Unofficial totals show that of the roughly 4.16 million registered voters, about 32.9 percent cast a ballot Aug. 4, compared to about 25 percent during the August primary in 2016.
“While many voters went to the polls yesterday, there are still many who did not,” Ashcroft said on Aug. 5. “I urge all eligible Missourians to participate in our democratic process and vote. Our November election will be safe.
“If you’re not registered, there’s time to do so before November — the deadline to register is Oct. 7,” he continued. “Contact your local election authority or visit www.sos.mo.gov to register, and most importantly, make your voice heard on election day.”
Unofficial election results can be viewed at enr.sos.mo.gov. The Secretary of State will certify primary election results by Aug. 25.
