Kent Scism Wins St. Francois County Presiding Commissioner Election
FARMINGTON, Mo. — Republican Kent Scism has won the race for St. Francois County Presiding Commissioner, defeating Democratic challenger Bill Young in the November 3, 2026, general election, according to unofficial election results.
The victory comes just weeks after Scism was appointed to the position by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe following the resignation of former Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher in August.
Scism was sworn into office on October 16, filling the vacancy for the remainder of the year. His election victory now positions him to serve a new four-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
From Local Business Owner to County Leadership
Scism is a longtime Farmington resident and former owner and operator of Sam Scism Ford, a well-known automotive dealership in the community. He sold the dealership in 2021 after spending years in the automotive business.
In addition to his business background, Scism has been involved in several community organizations, including the Farmington Elks, the Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Columbus.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University.
Throughout his campaign, Scism emphasized his experience in business and finance, pointing to those skills as qualifications for overseeing county operations and managing public resources.
A Competitive November Election
Scism faced Democratic candidate Bill Young, a former Desloge alderman and ironworker project manager from Bonne Terre.
Both candidates advanced to the general election after running unopposed in their respective August primaries.
Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election confirmed Scism’s victory over Young. The county’s election results remain subject to the official certification process.
Appointment Preceded Election Victory
Scism’s path to the office began before Election Day.
Following Gallaher’s resignation in August, Governor Kehoe appointed Scism to fill the vacant presiding commissioner position on October 16.
The appointment drew questions from Young, who publicly raised concerns about transparency in the selection process because Scism was also a candidate in the upcoming election.
Young acknowledged the governor’s legal authority to fill the vacancy but questioned how the decision was made so close to Election Day.
Despite those concerns, the November election gave voters the opportunity to select their next presiding commissioner.
Looking Ahead for St. Francois County
As presiding commissioner, Scism will serve alongside Associate Commissioners Kerry Buckley of District 1 and David Kater of District 2.
The St. Francois County Commission plays a central role in county government, including oversight of county finances, budgets, infrastructure and other county operations.
During his campaign, Scism identified government transparency, responsible spending and maintaining essential county services among his priorities.
In comments following the election, Scism expressed his readiness to continue working in the position and said his business and financial experience would help him carry out his responsibilities.
With the election behind him, Scism will transition from serving under a gubernatorial appointment to beginning a full elected term in January.
For residents throughout Farmington, Park Hills, Bonne Terre, Desloge and surrounding communities, the county commission’s decisions will continue to shape local government services, infrastructure improvements and the management of taxpayer funds.
