Jefferson City councilman plans run for Cole County Clerk in 2026

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City council member said he plans to run for Cole County's top election official next year.

Jeff Ahlers filed paperwork on Nov. 3 with the Missouri Ethics Commission to run for Cole County Clerk in 2026. Ahlers said he plans to run for the Republican nomination in August's primary to replace longtime clerk Steve Korsmeyer.

Ahlers was elected to the Jefferson City Council in 2023, representing Ward 1. His current term ends in 2027.

Ahlers said he has always been interested in working on elections and has enjoyed the times he has helped the office in the past. He said he hopes to continue with Korsmeyer's staff if elected.

State Rep. David Griffith (R-Jefferson City) has also announced his intention to run for clerk. Griffith is in his final term in the Missouri House of Representatives.