This morning I officially filed to run for St. Louis County Council in the 7th District opposing Republican incumbent Councilman Mark Harder. Councilman Harder has been a member of the St. Louis County Council for 11 years, and during his tenure I’ve seen few- if any- proposed or promoted solutions regarding how St. Louis County’s government can be run more efficiently, effectively, or within its budget. It’s long past time for a change out here in West St. Louis County- and the work for us begins today.
Below is the official press release announcing our campaign opposing Councilman Mark Harder for the 7th District seat on the St. Louis County Council.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2026
John Kiehne Files for St. Louis County Council District 7 Race: Pledges to Prioritize Fiscal Accountability, Efficiency, and putting People Over Politics
St. Louis County, MO — Today John Kiehne officially filed to run for the St. Louis County Council’s 7th District seat, pledging disciplined budgeting, safer communities, and an end to business-as-usual politics.
“Families are watching every dollar right now,” Kiehne said. “County government should too. I’m running to protect taxpayers, demand accountability, promote growth, and make sure that decisions are made in the open — not behind closed doors.”
A father, advocate, and small business owner, Kiehne says that county leadership has grown disconnected from everyday residents.
“People don’t want drama, they want their roads to be properly maintained. They don’t want service delays, they want safe neighborhoods, thriving communities, and fair taxation. County residents are enduring escalating monthly bills and economic pressures, and they deserve a county government that utilizes their hard-earned money efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Kiehne’s campaign will emphasize:
Responsible Budgeting: Serving and protecting taxpayers while ensuring that core services are strong, effective, efficient, and consistent.
Safe, Secure, and Stable Communities: Supporting law enforcement and community-based solutions that prevent crime before it starts. Supporting justice and operational reforms that give prosecutors and judges the proper tools to deliver justice in a fair, timely, and efficient manner.
Infrastructure and Quality of Life: Prioritizing road and bridge maintenance as well as supporting the parks, attractions, and communities that make families proud to live, thrive, and prosper in St. Louis County.
Government Transparency: Making County Council decision-making clear, accessible, and accountable.
Economic Development and Planning: Supporting policies that help St. Louis County residents and businesses to thrive while honoring the needs, concerns, and values of individual communities.
Government Efficiency and Effectiveness: Weed out wasteful spending, inefficient and ineffective programs and policies, and help our county government to be more responsive to the needs, concerns, and its obligations to serve St. Louis County residents.
“I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about achieving results,” Kiehne added. “But I won’t rubber-stamp waste, redundancy, inefficiencies, or insider deals. This seat belongs to the people and that’s who the county government has an obligation to serve and answer to.”
Kiehne is hosting a Campaign Kickoff event this coming Thursday evening, February 26 at Salt + Smoke in Ellisville, Missouri. For more information about his Kickoff Event on Thursday and to RSVP go to KIEHNEKICKOFF.COM.
For more information about John Kiehne’s campaign for St. Louis County Council, go to KIEHNEFORMISSOURI.COM.
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About John Kiehne:
John Kiehne is a professional musician, former foster provider and ongoing advocate for at-risk children and disabled adults, a community organizer, political advocate, and leader who’s dedicated the last eight years of his life to working to empower voters in West St. Louis County, east-central Missouri, and throughout the entire state of Missouri. He has a proven track record of engaging with residents, organizing voters, and creating platforms and opportunities dedicated to serving the people through participatory democracy.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to attend an upcoming campaign event, please visit kiehneformissouri.com, find John on social media at @kiehneformissouri, or contact the campaign directly at info@kiehneformissouri.com or 636-324-3570.