Rick Prather, of Jefferson City, announced Monday he plans to run for the office of Cole County assessor.
Prather, who will run as a Republican, is currently a Jefferson City Council member representing the Ward 1. He is term-limited, and his last council meeting will be in April.
"Cole County is my home. I grew up here, raised a family here, and built a business here. I have been involved in numerous civic organizations through the years, and as a city councilman I got a real taste of what it means to give back to my community by serving as an elected official," Prather said in a news release. "I will give that same energy and commitment to Cole County as its assessor."
Prather, part-owner of Vogel Insurance Group, said he sees the role of county assessor as a critical part of the local economy.
"The job of assessor requires impartial analysis of properties and the marketplace," Prather said. "I have the experience and character to serve the citizens and businesses of Cole County and help ensure our economy is strong."
Chris Estes, also a Republican, currently serves as assessor. He was appointed to the position in 2007 and has won re-election three times since. Estes told the News Tribune on Monday he plans to seek re-election and will make an official announcement later.
Prather is the second term-limited Jefferson City Council member who has announced plans to seek a Cole County office. Rick Mihalevich announced in November he intends to run for Eastern District commissioner, facing current Eastern District Commissioner Jeff Hoelscher, who told the News Tribune on Monday he plans to seek re-election and will make an official announcement later.
Other Cole County offices up for election in 2020 include Western District commissioner, sheriff, public administrator and treasurer.
There will also be elections for two circuit judge seats as well as the newly created second associate circuit judge position.
Filing for countywide offices in 2020 officially opens today and ends March 31. Filing takes place in the Cole County Clerk's Office, located on the second floor of the Courthouse Annex, 311 E. High St. in Jefferson City.
The primary election will be Aug. 4, and the general election will be Nov. 3.