New candidate enters Cape Girardeau mayoral race as locals voice key concerns

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A former councilman announced that he is running for Cape Girardeau mayor. Locals talked about key issues they want to see addressed for the city.

Former Ward 4 councilman Robbie Guard announced that he is running for Cape Girardeau mayor, Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m a fifth generation Cape Girardeau resident,” he said. “I love this community and the people in it. I’m extremely proud of all that we do and I want to see Cape Girardeau prosper.”

Some big issues Guard plans to tackle – violent crime, water infrastructure, and economic development.

He said building public trust is essential.

“We must have processes and actions that show transparency and not just talk about transparency,” Guard said. 

We reached out to Mayor Stacy Kinder who said she has yet to decide whether or not to run again – stating that decision will be made later this summer or in the fall.

We also posed a question on the Now Local News app to hear what issues locals want to see addressed by the city.

Roadway repairs, water main breaks, and economic development are some of the common issues people talked about.

“A lot of the high traffic areas frequently have growing potholes,” Alissa said, “and some places just generally aren’t safe for pedestrians to walk.”

“I feel like there has been a lot of water main breaks and boil orders,” Jill said, “more so than in the past and I think that’s definitely an issue that needs to be looked at.”

“I would also love to see more transparency in leadership and real conversations about issues that matter – public safety, housing, economic opportunity,” Georgia said. “Cape Girardeau has a lot of voices that definitely deserve to be heard.”

With the election taking place in April of 2026, there’s plenty of time for more possible candidates to come forward. 

Stay with FOX23 for updates.