Sedalia Voters Pick Williams Over Dawson for Mayor, Select Two Newcomers Over Incumbents for Council

Challenger Traves Williams defeats incumbent Andrew Dawson, while two city council incumbents also lose their seats.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of the Sedalia City Hall building, its facade and windows illuminated by warm, golden sunlight, with deep shadows casting a contemplative mood over the scene, capturing the sense of political transition in the community.The Sedalia municipal elections have ushered in a new era of political leadership, as voters signaled a desire for fresh ideas and approaches to governing the city.Sedalia Today

In the Sedalia municipal elections on April 7, 2026, challenger Traves Williams defeated incumbent mayor Andrew Dawson, winning 64% of the vote. Additionally, two city council incumbents were unseated, with Spencer Redford defeating mayor pro tem Rhiannon Foster in the fourth ward, and David Covington defeating Bob Hiller in the third ward. Tina Boggess and Jack Robinson retained their council seats in the second and first wards, respectively.

Why it matters

The election results in Sedalia represent a significant shift in the city's political leadership, with voters opting for change at both the mayoral and council levels. The defeat of the incumbent mayor and two council members suggests dissatisfaction with the current administration and a desire for new ideas and approaches to governing the city.

The details

In the mayoral race, Traves Williams, a longtime city employee and the founder of the charity Sedalia Community Helping Hands, defeated incumbent Andrew Dawson. In the city council races, Spencer Redford defeated mayor pro tem Rhiannon Foster in the fourth ward, and David Covington unseated Bob Hiller in the third ward. Tina Boggess was re-elected in the second ward, and Jack Robinson fended off a challenge in the first ward.

  • The Sedalia municipal elections were held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Traves Williams claimed 64% of the votes in the mayoral race, according to unofficial totals from the Pettis County Clerk's office.

The players

Traves Williams

A longtime city employee who also runs the charity Sedalia Community Helping Hands, Williams defeated incumbent mayor Andrew Dawson to become the new mayor of Sedalia.

Andrew Dawson

The incumbent mayor of Sedalia who was defeated by challenger Traves Williams in the mayoral election.

Spencer Redford

The challenger who defeated incumbent mayor pro tem Rhiannon Foster in the fourth ward city council race.

David Covington

The challenger who unseated incumbent Bob Hiller in the third ward city council race.

Tina Boggess

The incumbent city council member who was re-elected in the second ward.

Jack Robinson

The incumbent city council member who fended off a challenge in the first ward.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Sedalia municipal elections have ushered in a new era of political leadership, with voters signaling a desire for fresh ideas and approaches to governing the city. The defeat of the incumbent mayor and two council members suggests that residents are seeking a change in direction, and the newly elected officials will have the opportunity to address the issues and concerns that were important to the electorate.