Charlie Herbst Wins Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Primary as Jackson Approves 5% Hotel Tax

Charlie Herbst secured the Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner Republican primary on Aug. 4, receiving 56% of the vote and defeating Joe Hobbs (25%) and J. W. Strack (18%). With no Democratic candidate, Herbst is set to become presiding commissioner in January, vacating his long‑held associate commissioner seat, which will be filled by the office of Governor Mike Kehoe. Herbst, a former city council member and police officer, said he will be more visible in the community while continuing the current commission team’s work.

In the same election, Jackson voters approved a 5% hotel and lodging tax by a 58% margin. The tax will apply to three city hotels and fund a dedicated tourism promotion program administered by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, covering marketing, advertising and grant matching to boost local events and occupancy.