Originally Published in the November 5, 2026 print edition of the Adair County Community Voice
Republican Chris Reeder won a decisive victory Tuesday night in the race for Adair County judge-executive, capturing 68 percent of the vote in a three-way contest against Democrat Todd Davenport and write-in candidate Bridget Compton.
After spending 16 months campaigning across the county, Reeder said voters have given him the opportunity to put his plans into action when he takes office in January.
“This campaign never was about winning. It was about a job interview,” Reeder said Tuesday night as people gathered on the public square at 313 Maple to celebrate the win. “I’ve been on a job interview for 16 months and I’ve worked my tail off to see as many people as we can.”
Reeder, who currently serves as a magistrate on the fiscal court, said he is grateful for the confidence voters have placed in him.
“Tonight, Adair County decided to hire me,” he said. “I have so much gratitude for everybody that puts a vote of confidence into you. And I just appreciate it so much.”
Reeder said his administration will focus on teamwork, improving county services and creating an environment that encourages economic growth.
“It’s not a one-man show,” he said. “We’re going to go out and do the best we can for everybody in Adair County.”
He emphasized that his responsibility would extend to all residents, regardless of how they voted.
“We’re going to represent them. We’re going to support them. We’re going to do the best we can for Adair County moving forward as a team,” he said.
After spending months going door to door and attending community events, Reeder said he has heard several recurring concerns from residents, particularly about jobs, county roads and the need for more activities and opportunities in the community.
While county government cannot directly address every concern, Reeder said it can play an important role in economic development.
“I don’t feel that county government really creates jobs, but we create an environment that’s conducive to grow jobs, for existing businesses to grow, and create an environment where new businesses may want to come here and invest in Adair County,” he said.
Reeder said he intends to work closely with the county’s economic development board and has already begun reaching out to businesses that may be considering expansion.
While economic development will be a priority, Reeder said improving the county road program is an area where his administration can make a more immediate difference.
As a magistrate for eight years, Reeder said he has experienced frustration with road maintenance requests that have gone unresolved despite repeated work orders.
“I’ve got things that I’ve wanted fixed for a long time. I turn work orders in, turn work orders in, and it’s not got done,” he said.
Reeder said he intends to establish a more organized system for handling maintenance requests and ensuring that concerns brought to the fiscal court by magistrates receive attention.
“I’ve told these magistrates, it’s my number one goal is when they turn a work order in because a constituent has called them about a problem with a road, whatever it is, a tree, a limb, a pothole, whatever it is, we’re going to get it done in a timely manner because those people pay taxes.”
Reeder said plans are already being developed to improve mowing schedules, snow removal and coordination with the school district on bus routes.
Having driven a school bus for eight years, Reeder said he understands some of the challenges school transportation employees face, particularly during winter weather.
“If we can do a better job with snow removal, we get them back into school an extra day early. It’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.
Reeder also said his experience as a magistrate has shaped his views on how fiscal court should operate. He wants magistrates to have a meaningful role in identifying problems and developing solutions.
“When they bring issues to the court, we’re going to hear them. We’re going to develop a plan,” he said.
With the election behind him, Reeder said he is eager to begin the work of leading county government.
“Nobody’s worked harder than me to win this race. Nobody’s going to work harder than me when I’m a judge,” he said. “And I look forward to this opportunity. We’re just ready to get to work.”
