Deadline nears for candidates in Columbia school board, Jefferson City Council
Keriana Gamboa
Editor’s note, 12/30/2025: The story has corrected information on the Jefferson City School District’s candidate filing deadlines.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Candidates for most local elections in April 2026 must file by 5 p.m. Tuesday, including races for the Columbia Board of Education and city council seats in Jefferson City.
In Columbia, filing is closing for the Board of Education, where three seats are available. Each position carries a three-year term.
Board President John Lyman and Vice President Paul Harper are both seeking reelection. Current board member April Ferrao has also filed to run again. Newcomer, Keary D. Husain, has entered the race and is running for one of the open seats. CPS offices will be open from 3 – 5 p.m. on Tuesday to accept candidate filings.
In Jefferson City, candidates have until Tuesday to file for half of the City Council seats that will be up for election in 2026.
In Ward 1, incumbent Randy W. Hoselton is seeking reelection and will face challenger George Bacon.In Wards 2, 3, and 4, incumbents Mike Lester, Dr. Treaka Young, and Chris Leuckel are all running again and are unopposed. In Ward 5, incumbent Mackenzie Job will be challenged by Rebekah L. Frost.
Jefferson City council members serve staggered two-year terms and are subject to a limit of eight consecutive years in office.
The Jefferson City School Board has several candidates filed to run for three open seats.
The board will continue accepting applications for the vacancy left by Erika Leonard’s resignation until January 7.
The Columbia City Council follows a separate filing schedule, with its filing period closing on January 13.
The municipal general election is scheduled for April 7, 2026.