Southern District win for Aldred turns Boone County offices to all Democrats

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Democratic candidate Justin Aldred's win over Fred Parry for the Southern District seat on the Boone County Commission means every county officeholder will be a Democrat.

Aldred, a political newcomer, beat Republican incumbent Parry by about 2,500 votes. Parry served one term after being elected in 2016 and will remain in office until January.

Parry touted his relationship with the business community as a strength during the campaign.

Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Matt McCormick said even though Boone County leaders are now all in one party, the chamber will continue to work as a non-partisan organization for Boone County's business community.

"Our job is to make sure we continue to build those relationships with elected officials regardless of which party, to make sure we are communicating and working with them about the needs and desires of our business community," he said.

The chamber must now work on building a relationship with the new commissioner, McCormick said.

Matt Jenne, the co-owner of Addison's, Sophia's and 5th Street Properties said he is excited to build a relationship with the new commissioner regardless of his political party.

"Our relationship with the county commissioners is vitally important and we are more than ready to maintain a great relationship with them," he said.

Aldred and Parry and have not responded to a request for a comment.