21st Judicial Circuit — Circuit Judge retention (St. Louis County)

What this office does

A judge on the state's main trial court. Hears serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits and, in many states, family and probate matters.

Judges on the ballot

A separate Yes/No vote on each judge: YES keeps them on the court for another term.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on St. Louis County ballots

• 21st Judicial Circuit — Associate Circuit Judge retention

All St. Louis County races and measures →

Quick answers

What is a retention vote?

Instead of choosing between candidates, you vote YES or NO on whether each judge stays on the court for another term. A judge who doesn't get enough YES votes (a simple majority in most states) is removed, and the seat is filled by appointment.

Which judges are up for retention?

Richard M. Stewart, John Borbonus, Mary Elizabeth Ott, Amanda B. McNelley, Jeffery McPherson, Lorne Baker, Matt Hearne and Ellen Wyatt Dunne.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.