Republicans take all but 149th in area state legislative races

When Holly Rehder's defeat of Bart Ziegenhorn came late in the evening Tuesday, it was the end of a long road on the campaign trail, the newly-elected Sikeston native said of the race for the 148th House District.

"I'm very humbled by the support," said Rehder, who garnered more than 60 percent of the vote. "It's been wonderful, and fun campaigning, and I tell you, I pray for wisdom and courage every day and it has definitely been needed."

Throughout the race, Rehder, a Republican who owns a cable communications company in Sikeston and once worked for U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, held a large fundraising advantage over her Democratic opponent, who is the son of Scott County Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn.

Steve Hodges

A large voter turnout held up returns in parts of Scott County, where both candidates' supporters were found outside the polls Tuesday.

In the 149th district, Rep. Steve Hodges, a Democrat who currently represents the 161st district, won Tuesday with 66 percent of the vote over Republican Neal E. Boyd, who took 34 percent.

Republican Doug Libla took the 25th Senate district over Democrat Terry Swinger with 56 percent of the vote.

Dennis Fowler

In the 151st House District, Republican Dennis Fowler, a recently retired longtime law enforcement officer, bested Democrat Ryan William Holder, a labor representative with 66 percent of the vote to Holder's 34 percent.