Rost Wins Webster County Commissioner Race as Voters Renew Road Sales Tax

Published 10:27 am Wednesday, November 4, 2026

By Joe Rios

Webster County voters made their choices in Tuesday’s general election, giving Republican candidates strong support and approving the renewal of the county’s capital improvements sales tax for roads.

According to unofficial results from the Nov. 3 election, 13,307 ballots were cast out of 24,812 active registered voters, representing a turnout of 53.63 percent. All 12 precincts reported.

One of the biggest local races was for presiding commissioner, where Republican Alan Rost defeated independent candidate Gail Peak Brown.

Rost Wins Presiding Commissioner Race

Rost received 9,541 votes, or approximately 75 percent, compared to Brown’s 3,191 votes, or 25 percent.
The contest was one of the few county races featuring more than one candidate.

Several other Republican candidates ran unopposed, including County Clerk Stanley D. Whitehurst, who received 11,260 votes, and Circuit Clerk Stephanie D. Vestal, who received 10,941.

Recorder of Deeds Stacy Atkison received 11,040 votes, while County Treasurer Todd Hungerford received 10,892.

Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin J. Berkstresser received 10,665 votes, and Collector of Revenue Kevin Farr received 11,095.

In the judicial races, Associate Circuit Judge Justin M. Evans received 10,907 votes for Division 2, while Associate Circuit Judge Cynthia R. Black received 10,694 votes for Division 3. Both Republicans ran without opposition.

Voters Approve Road Sales Tax Renewal

One of the county’s most significant ballot questions involved renewing the capital improvements sales tax for roads.
Webster County voters approved Question One with 9,231 yes votes, or approximately 71 percent, compared to 3,763 no votes.
The measure passed with a clear majority, allowing the county to continue collecting the sales tax for road-related capital improvements.

Republicans Lead State and Congressional Races

Republican candidates also received strong support in Webster County’s state and federal contests.

In the race for Missouri state auditor, Republican Scott Fitzpatrick received 9,743 votes, or approximately 75 percent. Democrat Quentin Wilson followed with 2,793 votes, while Libertarian Dustin Coffell received 405.

Webster County voters participated in two congressional district races.

In Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, Republican Mark Alford received 5,616 votes, or approximately 72 percent. Democrat Jordan Herrera received 1,932 votes, while Libertarian Thomas Holbrook received 263.

In the 7th Congressional District, Republican Eric Burlison received 3,837 votes, or approximately 74 percent. Democrat Missi Hesketh received 1,147 votes, while Libertarian Kevin Craig received 167.

The 20th District state Senate race also favored the Republican candidate.

Lori Rook received 9,439 votes, or approximately 74 percent, compared to 3,310 for Democrat Sean Falconer.

In the 129th District state House race, Republican Will Worsham received 8,941 votes, or approximately 69 percent. Democrat John Gray received 3,972.

A smaller portion of Webster County also voted in the 141st District state House race. Republican Melissa Schmidt received 62 votes, while Democrat Darrel “Mike” Swofford received 13.

These figures reflect votes cast within Webster County, not necessarily the final results across each congressional or legislative district.

Voters Split on Constitutional Amendments

While Republican candidates received strong support, the statewide ballot measures produced mixed results.

Amendment 3, which proposed repealing the 2024 constitutional amendment concerning reproductive rights, received 8,963 yes votes, or approximately 68 percent. Another 4,229 voters opposed it.

Amendment 8, concerning the election of sheriffs, also received majority support, with 8,445 yes votes and 4,491 no votes.

However, Amendment 6, concerning the initiative and referendum petition process, faced opposition. The measure received 7,542 no votes compared to 5,493 yes votes.

Amendment 7, which proposed establishing a permanent public endowment fund, was among the closer decisions.

A total of 6,586 voters opposed the measure, while 6,344 supported it, a difference of just 242 votes.

Proposition A, which would replace existing congressional districts, received majority support locally. The measure received 6,636 yes votes compared to 6,223 no votes, a margin of 413 votes.

The county totals show how Webster County residents voted. Statewide results determine whether each proposal passes or fails.

Judicial Retention Receives Support
Webster County voters also supported retaining two judges.

Missouri Supreme Court Judge Paul C. Wilson received 7,808 yes votes, or approximately 66 percent, compared to 4,098 no votes.

Southern District Court of Appeals Judge Matthew P. Hamner received 9,049 votes in favor of retention, or approximately 77 percent, while 2,728 voted against it.

Election Results Await Certification

With more than half of active registered voters participating, Tuesday’s election decided county leadership, road funding and several statewide issues.

Rost’s victory in the presiding commissioner race and the approval of the county’s road sales tax renewal were among the most significant local results.

All election figures remain unofficial until the appropriate election authorities certify them.