A race for Presiding Lafayette County Commissioner between incumbent Harold Hoflander of Higginsville and challenger Jody Banner of Wellington, both Republicans, will highlight the August 4 Primary election in Lafayette County.

Hoflander — the longtime owner of Hoflander Ford in Higginsville, which recently closed its doors after 44 years — has pledged to continue his focus on fiscal responsibility, strong infrastructure, and keeping the county government accessible and responsive to its citizens.

Hoflander was first elected Presiding Commissioner in November 2010, taking over for previous Presiding Commissioner James Strodtman, who filled the role for 20 years.

Meanwhile, Banner — who has a background in farming and retired from U.S. Engineering Co. in 2024 — has said he is seeking to ensure a strong balance between agriculture, economic growth, and fiscal strength. He has touted his budgeting and project management experience during the campaign.

The winner of the race will have no Democrat opponent in November.

Also in the Republican Primary, Amanda McFatrich of Odessa will face Brooklyn Palmer of Odessa in a race for County Collector. The winner will square off against Democrat Pamela Fetter of Lexington in November, with the winner succeeding longtime collector Lori Fiegenbaum.

Republican Jaimie Umhoefer of Mayview and Democrat Tahnami Gittinger of Odessa are on the ballot for County Auditor in the Primary and will face each other in November.

Lafayette County Prosecutor Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner, a Republican, is running for Lafayette County Associate Circuit Judge-Division 3, following the announcement by Judge Kelly Rose that she would be retiring effective July 3.

Rose had served in the position since 2015. Governor Mike Kehoe has the authority to appoint someone to serve the remainder of the term. There has not been an appointment made yet, County Clerk Jessica White reported last week.

Hilbrenner has served as Lafayette County Prosecuting Attorney since being appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy in 2013 and subsequently being elected to serve three terms since 2014. Hilbrenner will be running unopposed for the seat in November.

The list of candidates for county positions in the Primary includes: Associate Circuit Judge, Division 2 (15th Circuit) (R) Russell J. Kruse, Concordia Associate Circuit Judge, Divi-sion 3 (15th Circuit) (R) Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner, Higginsville Presiding County Commissioner (R) Harold Hoflander, Higginsville (R) Jody Banner, Wellington Associate Commissioner, Southern District (Two-Year Unexpired Term) (R) Michael Brown, Concordia County Clerk (R) Jessica White, Mayview Clerk of the Circuit Court (R) Kim Mason, Higginsville Recorder of Deeds (R) JoAnn Swartz, Lexington Prosecuting Attorney (R) John C. Boyer, Odessa County Auditor (R) Jaimie Umhoefer, Mayview (D) Tahnami Gittinger, Odessa Collector of Revenue (R) Amanda McFatrich, Odessa (R) Brooklyn Palmer, Odessa (D) Pamela Fetter, Lexington Independent candidates can submit paperwork until July 27 to appear on the November ballot, or file a formal write-in candidacy no later than Oct. 23.