Columbia News

John Hobbs, incumbent member of the Randolph County Commission, is seeking the Republican nomination for re-election to his seat representing the Western District for a four-year term. The primary election will be held on August 6.

According to a sample ballot, Hobbs is running for re-election in the GOP primary against Austin Kyser and Teresa Hunt.

Hobbs is a lifelong Randolph County resident and a graduate of Moberly High School. His professional career began when he ran Treasure Chest in downtown Moberly and managed 24&3 Tractor Sales in Huntsville. In addition, he headed operations at Hobbs Angus Farms. Hobbs also worked in Walmart's Store Planning Division and with highway and road contractor APAC.

Hobbs' campaign website lists his commitments to Randolph County. These include: enhancing public safety systems, promoting both rural and urban development, improving and maintaining infrastructure, preventing drug use among minors, and promoting economic growth. His campaign focuses include "leveraging his vast experience and conservative principles to steer Randolph County towards a future that offers prosperity, security, and opportunity for all residents—old and young alike."

In a press release, R.E.D. PAC — a political action committee focused on rural economic development — endorsed Hobbs as a candidate who has "demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles that foster economic stability, enhance transparency in government, and protect private property rights from excessive regulation" and as an advocate "for sensible solutions to local and national challenges, emphasizing the importance of strong community leadership in achieving long-term success." 

R.E.D. PAC Chief Strategist Charlie Kolean also endorsed Hobbs, saying he was a person who would "stand firm on issues critical to our freedoms and economic wellbeing."

The Randolph County Commission comprises three members: one presiding commissioner and two associate commissioners, one of whom represents the Eastern District and the other of whom represents the Western District.

Chapter 49 of the Missouri Revised Statutes explains that the presiding commissioner is elected by the County at-large, while the associate commissioners are elected by members of the respective districts in which they reside. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms.

Per the Randolph County Commission's website, commissioners' responsibilities' include enacting and conducting hearings on ordinances, resolutions and policies, supervising County departments' activities, setting salaries, adopting the annual budget, and providing for construction and other services.