Alexander credits Pettis County supporters after election victory

Published 12:33 am Wednesday, November 4, 2026

By Chris Howell

State Senator-elect Sam Alexander credited the people of Sedalia and Pettis County for his District 28 win Tuesday, saying he intends to take their concerns directly to Jefferson City and make local communities a priority.

Alexander, a Republican from Fair Play, received 71.458% of the vote – or 41,289 votes. Democratic opponent Mike McCafree, of Nevada, received 28.542% or 16,492 votes.

Alexander, who will take over for outgoing incumbent Sandy Crawford of Buffalo, said Tuesday night’s results were not simply a personal accomplishment but the result of people throughout the area working together.

The district is made up of Pettis, Benton, Henry, Cedar, Dallas Hickory, Polk, St. Clair and Vernon counties.

“It’s just not me,” Alexander said. “It’s all the people that stood behind me here. That’s why we won here in Sedalia and in Pettis County: it’s the people. And this is an amazing, amazing city. It’s an amazing county. I’ve made friends here. It’s been a blessing.”

Alexander said he views his role in the Missouri Senate as representing local governments and the residents who elected him, rather than telling communities how to operate.

“When I first started going up to Jeff City, trying to get things fixed, I got the lecture every time, well, you know, we’re the ones that run things, and we don’t work for you, you work for us,” Alexander said. “That’s not true. The counties here, the cities, you guys are in charge. I’m going to be working for you.”

He pledged to work hard to ensure the district’s needs are heard by state lawmakers.

Alexander also emphasized the importance of the Missouri State Fair, calling it an emblem of the state and an important part of Sedalia’s identity.

“The Missouri State Fair is super, super important. I mean, it’s the emblem of our state,” Alexander said. “It’s been here in Sedalia. The people have been proud of it, having it here.”

Alexander recalled attending the fair as a child and said maintaining and improving the event will be among the issues he wants to address.

“As a little kid, it was the biggest thrill of my life to come to the State Fair here,” Alexander said. “We need to make sure we keep it going and make sure that we keep it growing.”

He said he intends to work with Sedalia’s mayor and City Council, as well as Pettis County Commissioners, to identify local needs and communicate those priorities to state officials.

Alexander said he has already attended commissioners’ meetings several times and plans to continue doing so.

“I need to know what they need and what they’re going to be doing,” Alexander said. “And I’m going to go to Jeff City and I’m going to represent them.”

Alexander said he intends to take the same approach throughout the other eight counties in his Senate district.

“I’m going to be the person that carries the message from the people here and to your people that you elect here, to Jefferson City, to make sure the state is doing what needs to be done for this district,” Alexander said.

Chris Howell can be reached at 660-530-0146.