Election Results for South Central Missouri on April 7

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Voters in several counties across south central Missouri went to the polls on April 7, 2026 to decide on a variety of local issues and races. The results include the passage of a sales tax for roads and bridges in Howell County, the defeat of a homestead tax credit in Howell County, and the election of school board members across the region. Other issues like marijuana sales taxes, county property taxes, and school bond measures were also on the ballot.

Why it matters

These local election results reflect the priorities and concerns of voters in this part of Missouri, which has a mix of rural and small-town communities. The outcomes will shape the policies and leadership in these areas for the next few years, impacting issues like infrastructure, education, and taxes.

The details

In Howell County, voters approved a sales tax increase for roads and bridges by a margin of 2,220 to 1,095, while rejecting a homestead tax credit by a vote of 1,820 to 1,460. School board races were also decided, with Reid Grigsby, Jimmy Thompson, and Jim Laughary winning seats on the West Plains School Board. In Willow Springs, David Ryan Baldrige, Michele Myers, and Brendon Wilson were elected to the school board. Voters in the city of Mountain View chose Karen Gaddy as mayor. Across the region, other issues like marijuana sales taxes, county property taxes, and school bond measures were on the ballot with mixed results.

• The election was held on April 7, 2026.