The St. Charles County Executive race for 2026 is shaping up to be a high-stakes political contest. With more than a year to go before the Republican primary, a substantial $400,000 donation has propelled Jason Law, Mayor of Lake St. Louis and Lt. Col. for the St. Louis County Police Department, to the forefront of the race.
This mega-donation, made by St. Louis County political financer Michael Rayner, has sparked significant attention and added momentum to Law’s campaign.
The race, which will determine the successor to Steve Ehlmann, the current County Executive who will retire after 20 years in office, already features several high-profile candidates. Here’s a closer look at the campaign dynamics, key candidates, and the critical issues shaping this pivotal election.
Jason Law: A Candidate Backed by a $400K Boost
Jason Law, with a strong background in law enforcement, is leveraging his experience and Rayner’s substantial financial support to emphasize public safety as a cornerstone of his campaign.
“If you want growth in business, if you want safe schools, it’s got to be built on a foundation of safety,” Law stated. His campaign prioritizes creating a safe community and fostering strong schools to attract families and businesses.
Before receiving Rayner’s contribution, Law’s campaign had raised $32,000 from small donors. The $400,000 infusion has given him a significant financial advantage, bringing his total funds to over $432,000—more than ten times his previous cash on hand.
The Competition: Other Key Candidates
1. Bill Eigel
- Former State Senator Bill Eigel, who lost a bid for Missouri governor last year, has also expressed interest in the County Executive seat.
- His campaign committee currently reports $37,000 cash on hand, primarily from small, out-of-state donors.
- Eigel has yet to receive any substantial financial contributions for 2025.
2. Mike Elam
- St. Charles County Council Chairman Mike Elam is another contender.
- His campaign committee has raised $18,000, also without any large donations.
- Elam’s platform emphasizes housing affordability, arguing that high housing costs are driving young residents out of the county.
Comparing Campaign Finances
| Candidate | Major Financial Supporter | Cash on Hand | Key Platform Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Law | Michael Rayner ($400K) | $432,000 | Public safety, schools, regional growth |
| Bill Eigel | Small out-of-state donors | $37,000 | Yet to clarify |
| Mike Elam | Small donors | $18,000 | Housing affordability |
Key Issues Driving the Race
- Public Safety
- Jason Law has positioned crime reduction as his central issue, arguing that regional safety is essential for economic growth and strong communities.
- Michael Rayner’s donation underscores the importance of this issue, as Rayner is a vocal advocate for law enforcement and public safety measures.
- Housing Affordability
- Mike Elam highlights the rising cost of homes in St. Charles County as a pressing concern, with the average home price at $413,000 and new homes averaging $600,000.
- Elam believes the housing crisis is causing younger generations to leave the area, which could impact the county’s long-term growth.
- Economic Growth
- Candidates are also discussing strategies to sustain economic development and attract businesses to the region. Public safety and affordable housing are viewed as critical factors in achieving this goal.
The Road Ahead
With over a year until the Republican primary in August 2026, the St. Charles County Executive race is already heating up.
Jason Law’s substantial financial backing from Michael Rayner sets the stage for a competitive election, where issues like public safety, housing affordability, and economic growth will dominate the conversation.
While Bill Eigel and Mike Elam are still in the early stages of fundraising, their focus on diverse issues ensures a dynamic race.
The eventual winner will inherit a county facing challenges that require strategic leadership and innovative solutions.
The $400K donation to Jason Law’s campaign has introduced a new level of competitiveness to the St. Charles County Executive race.
This financial boost positions Law as a leading contender, emphasizing the critical importance of public safety and regional growth.
As the race unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how other candidates, like Bill Eigel and Mike Elam, address key issues and attract support.
With more than a year to go, this election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the region.
St. Charles County’s future leadership will undoubtedly influence its growth, safety, and prosperity for years to come.