Former Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin Runs for District 59 Representative

Carrie Tergin, the Republican nominee for House District 59 and former mayor of Jefferson City, outlined her campaign priorities ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election in an interview with ABC17NEWS. Tergin, who led Jefferson City for eight years before leaving office in 2023, is running to succeed term-limited Republican Representative Rudi Viet in representing the district, which primarily covers Cole County outside the capital.

Mayoral Experience and Capital Ambitions

During her eight years as mayor, Tergin managed municipal operations through significant public challenges, including recovering from a tornado that struck the community. Tergin points to her mayoral experience, including how she operates under pressure, as evidence of her capability. She served on city budgets for eight years and stated that she once vetoed a municipal budget that included an unneeded tax increase.

“I know what it was like to veto a budget because it included a tax increase that I didn’t think we needed,” Tergin told ABC17NEWS.

Affordability Burdens Families and Businesses in District 59

Tergin identified overall affordability as the most critical issue facing the rural-leaning district, which includes towns such as Centertown, St. Martins, Lohman, Taos, Wardsville, and St. Thomas, alongside parts of Jefferson City. As a three-generation business owner, Tergin argued that rising costs place heavy burdens on families, schools, agriculture, and local businesses trying to maintain payrolls and create jobs.

“People are looking at their prices, and we need to make sure that we’re doing all we can so that people don’t have the burdens so that they can find good-paying jobs and safe communities,” Tergin stated in the interview.

Education and Data Center Infrastructure Stances

When questioned by ABC17NEWS about public education funding in Missouri, Tergin characterized the topic as complex, noting that schools need adequate resources to retain educators and provide options for families and students. She emphasized maintaining strong school performance as a primary driver for community attraction.

On the topic of data center construction and state regulations, Tergin maintained that a uniform, state-level approach is ineffective. Having served in local government, she argued that individual communities must evaluate such developments alongside local leaders, business owners, and residents to balance economic growth with local resource security.

Tergin Encourages Voter Turnout for November 3 Election

Regarding redistricting and Proposition A, Tergin noted that voters hold diverse opinions on the configuration of congressional maps. While knocking on doors across Cole County, she encountered citizens who support the measures alongside others concerned about representation and district size.

Tergin urged constituents to participate in the November 3 general election despite voter frustration. Early voting is currently underway at local polling places, including the Cole County courthouse in Jefferson City, for voters casting ballots ahead of election day.