Mayer wins Republican nomination for 35th Circuit judge

BLOOMFIELD — After serving 12 years as judge for Missouri’s 35th Circuit, Rob Mayer found himself facing an opponent in the August primary. But the results of that primary have left no doubt as to the confidence residents in Stoddard and Dunklin counties have in him.

Opposed by Daren Todd in the primary, the final vote tallies arrived with Mayer more than doubling Todd’s vote total. The race finished with Mayer receiving 6,671 votes to Todd’s 3,168 votes.

“I’m, of course, very pleased with the outcome,” Mayer said. “This was a good race, and Daren ran a really good campaign.”

Despite the competition, Mayer indicated that he believes his record inspired most voters.

“I think that my history as a state representative and state senator probably helped me with everyone,” Mayer noted. “And it also helped that I’ve been judge for 12 years.”

Mayer noted Todd had a very active campaign and the race was much closer in Dunklin county. The vote count in Dunklin County showed Mayer receiving 2,215 votes compared to Todd receiving 2,071 votes. However, Mayer ran away with the vote in Stoddard County, receiving 4,456 votes compared to 1,097 for Todd.

“The people of Stoddard County really came through for me,” Mayer remarked. “I’m humbled to know that the voters have so much confidence in me.”

Mayer said he plans to simply go back to work with the same mindset he has had for the past 12 years.

“I’m looking forward to business as usual,” Mayer said. “I’m really looking forward to working with the juvenile department to help see that they provide necessary services. And I aim to continue focusing on being fair and holding the criminal element responsible for their action.

“I wish Mr. Todd nothing but the best. He worked really hard and ran a good campaign.”

Mayer will reach the state’s mandatory retirement age for judges, 70, in the second year of his term. At that time, the governor will appoint someone to fill the remaining four years of the term.