Mark A. Harder, a Republican who has represented St. Louis County Council District 7 since 2015, seeks re-election in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Democrat John Kiehne.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Residence: According to his campaign website, Harder was born and raised in north St. Louis County. He and his wife Kathy have lived in the Chesterfield and Ballwin area for more than 30 years, according to the site. They have two sons, David and Stephen, and two grandchildren, according to the site.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing and political science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (1983), according to BallotReady. He pursued MBA studies at Webster University and attended Christian Brothers College High School, according to his campaign website.
- Occupation: Real estate broker. His campaign website lists him at RE/MAX Results. BallotReady lists him at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Alliance since 1998.
Experience and public service
Harder has served on the County Council since 2015 and as a Ballwin alderman for Ward 2 starting in 2011, according to BallotReady. He serves as Republican committeeman for Lafayette Township, a board member at St. Louis HELP and a subdivision trustee, according to his campaign website.
Harder said he volunteers with the Boy Scouts, is a leader in his church and is active in the West County and Chesterfield Chambers of Commerce and Progress 64.
On the issues
Public safety: Harder said on his campaign website he is committed to making sure first responders have the training and support they need. He said he wants "good, honest government making thoughtful and strategic decisions for all of us."
Economy: Harder said his focus is on helping the region become and stay strong economically. He cited his position on the Progress 64 board as critical to that goal.
Candidate responses are drawn from Harder's campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire answers.
