Newton County, Missouri

Newton County Presiding Commissioner

2 candidates are tracked for Newton County Presiding Commissioner on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mark Bridges and Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt. Candidate information follows official Newton County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

August 4 primary results: Mark Bridges won the Republican nomination with 53.75 percent (5,315 votes) over Richard D. Davidson (25.52 percent, 2,523 votes) and incumbent Daniel Swem (20.73 percent, 2,050 votes). Separately, Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt was unopposed for the Libertarian nomination with 100 percent (48 votes); no Democrat filed. Both nominees are on the November 3 ballot, per the Newton County Clerk's official August 4, 2026 primary results, certified August 7, 2026.

What this office does

County commissioner. The county board is the county's legislative and, in most states, executive body. Commissioners adopt the county budget and property tax rate, oversee roads, the jail, public health, planning and zoning in unincorporated areas, and appoint or confirm department heads. In counties with an elected county executive or judge, the board's role is mainly the budget and ordinances.

Missouri › Newton County › Newton County Presiding Commissioner

Mark Bridges

Republican

Biography

Mark Bridges has served Newton County in public safety and elected roles since the 1970s, including as a sheriff's deputy before his election as Newton County Sheriff in 1985, and 20 years as Newton County Coroner from 1996 to 2016, per the Joplin Globe. He was elected the county's District 2 Commissioner in 2024 and resigned that seat in February 2026 to return as interim county coroner, per the Neosho Daily News. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.

Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt

Libertarian

Biography

Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Newton County Presiding Commissioner, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt.

Next on your ballotNewton County Commissioner, District 2 (special election, unexpired term)

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Newton County Presiding Commissioner in 2026?

When is the Newton County Presiding Commissioner election in Missouri?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Missouri are on the Missouri election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Newton County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Newton County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Missouri election office, or see the full Newton County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Newton County ballot

11 tracked races in Newton County, Missouri. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Newton County Clerk of the Circuit Court Newton County Clerk Newton County Recorder of Deeds See all 11 Newton County races

Candidate profiles

Mark Bridges, full profile Martin "Mad Dog" Lindstedt, full profile Official Missouri election office