Baeza, Edwards Victorious in Pettis County Commissioner Races

Israel was a bit nervous before results were released by Election Authority Nick La Strada's office Tuesday night during a watch party at the Heckart Community Center.

Results in the Republican Primary, which will be officially certified later this week, showed Israel Baeza on top in the race for Pettis County Eastern Commissioner.

Incumbent Baeza secured 1501, or 57.8 percent of votes to be declared the winner. Republican Challenger Bob Ramey came in second with 804 votes, or 30.63 percent.

In third place was Leonard Salmons with 320 votes, or 12.19 percent.

This will be Baeza's second full term in office as Eastern Commissioner.

“Your support and confidence means the world to our family. I am committed to continuing to serve our community with dedication and integrity.

“This victory is a testament to the hard work and unity of our amazing team, volunteers, and supporters. I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our vision for a better Pettis County,” Baeza posted on social media around 8:35 p.m.

He later added, "It is humbling to have received such great support, and it reflects that we are moving in the right direction.”

Baeza's supporters (mostly family members sporting bright red campaign T-shirts) gathered at the Heckart Community Center, 1800 W. 3rd, for a watch party Tuesday night. Baeza stayed busy refreshing the Pettis County Election Authority's results page numerous times, eagerly awaiting the official vote tally.

Voter turnout on Tuesday was 26.88 percent. A total of 7,212 votes were cast out of 26,834 registered voters in Pettis County.

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In the race for Western Commissioner, Republican challenger Mark Edwards garnered the most votes – 1480, or 46.98 percent.

Coming in second was incumbent Jim Marcum with 968 votes, or 30.73 percent.

In third place was Mark Rieckhoff with 702 votes, or 22.29 percent.

"It was a great experience," Edwards said Tuesday night. "I am proud of my opponents. We all ran respectable races about issues, not personal."

Edwards' watch party was held at Best Western, 32nd and Limit.

Baeza and Edwards will be sworn into office around the first of January.

The General Election will be held Nov. 5.