Dennis Hancock Jumps Into St. Louis County Executive Race

The county councilman touts private-sector experience to tackle budget and public safety challenges.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dennis Hancock, a St. Louis County Councilman, has officially filed to run for county executive. Hancock, who has over 40 years of private-sector experience, is positioning himself as the fiscal hawk and public safety candidate in the wide-open race. He argues his background will help the county close its budget gap without raising taxes.

Why it matters

The county executive race is already crowded on the Democratic side, with the incumbent, Sam Page, not seeking re-election. Hancock's entry as the lone Republican so far sets up a potentially competitive primary and general election. The next county executive will have to grapple with the county's budget challenges and public safety concerns.

The details

Hancock, a former mayor of Fenton who was elected to the county council in 2023, is centering his campaign on public safety and what his team calls ethical, accountable government. He has a blend of private-sector management experience, including decades in telecommunications, and local government experience. Hancock's candidacy also comes with some legal history, as a long-running dispute over hiring practices on the council led to a petition seeking his removal from office, though prosecutors later withdrew that action.

  • Hancock filed his paperwork to run for county executive on February 24, 2026, the first day candidates were allowed to jump into the race.

The players

Dennis Hancock

A St. Louis County Councilman and the lone Republican in the county executive race so far, Hancock is touting his private-sector experience to tackle the county's budget and public safety challenges.

Sam Page

The incumbent St. Louis County Executive who has decided not to seek another term, clearing the way for a competitive primary and general election.

Jake Zimmerman

The St. Louis County Assessor, who is running for the Democratic nomination for county executive.

Brian Williams

A State Senator who is also running for the Democratic nomination for St. Louis County Executive.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.