Howard County commissioners Jeff Stockhorst and Mat Freese announced they will file for new terms. Both were elected to the commission in 2020.

Stockhorst represents the eastern district, and Freese the western district. Both are Republicans.

Presiding Commissioner Jerimiah Johnmeyer was re-elected in 2022 after running unopposed for a second term.

Stockhorst won his first term on the commission in 2018 after winning a three-way race in the Republican primary in August 2018 and was unopposed in the general election. Freese defeated Randy McMillan in the August 2018 Republican primary and then went on to defeat Democrat Charlie Polson in the November general election.

During his first term, Freese, who also serves as flood plain administrator, said the commission successfully helped orchestrate ARPA funds for new and major repairs of county infrastructure, helped push and made several business economic development loans, worked well with Sheriff’s Department for positive growth, and has created a good working relationship with schools.

“If re-elected, I will continue to fix much-needed infrastructure upgrades and repair reasonably, keep working for new businesses and help existing businesses, work well with the Sheriff’s Department and schools, and advocate for the county port authority,” Freese said. “I will also help with all aspects of keeping strong agricultural number one in Howard County.” 

The filing period begins at 8 a.m. on February 27 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 26 in the Howard County Clerk’s office in the courthouse. Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 6. The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.