Republican David Messner is running for St. Louis County Assessor, pledging what he calls transparency and fairness in property assessments across the county.
Messner faces Democrat Doug Clemens, a former state representative from St. Ann, and Green Party candidate Austin Brown in the Nov. 3 general election. The race matters directly to property owners in Chesterfield, Wildwood and surrounding communities. Messner won the Republican primary on Aug. 4, according to Critical Report. St. Louis Public Radio reported on the three-way general election matchup.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: St. Louis County Assessor
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Experience and public service
Messner's background is in business and real estate development, according to his Ballot Brief profile. His work history includes:
- Founder, Old Judge Coffee Company (2020–present)
- Owner, Hermann Boutique Lodging (2019–2024)
- Managing partner, New Legacy Development Partners (2019–2026)
- National account manager, Nucor Corporation (2018–2019)
On the issues
Property tax assessment: Messner said his top campaign priorities are making property assessments fair, transparent and predictable. He also said he wants to ensure accurate assessments and accountability in the assessor's office, according to his Ballot Brief questionnaire response.
Property assessment transparency: Messner said on his campaign website that the assessor's office has operated as a "black box," calling it unpredictable, inconsistent and disconnected from the real estate market. He pledged to bring fair, accurate and transparent assessments to every community in the county.
Property rights: Messner said he will protect property rights and be an advocate for every resident's right to fair assessments regardless of which city they live in, according to his campaign website.
Candidate issue positions are drawn from questionnaire responses submitted to The Ballot Brief and from the candidate's campaign website. They reflect the candidate's own statements.
