“Yes, I may be young, but don’t mistake youth for inexperience,” said TJ Benoist, a former student at Farmington High School and a recent candidate for St. Francois County Associate County Commissioner in March of 2024. Advocating for choice and togetherness throughout the community, Benoists’ campaign has sparked an uplifting conversation among St. Francois County youth.
Benoist has always had a passion for serving others. During his time at FHS, he participated in programs such as Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, and Knights in Action. After advising several others he supported to run for offices, he began researching the requirements for different local offices, and realized he was eligible to run for Associate County Commissioner. Then, Benoist decided to file for candidacy.
“I’ve always been interested in service to others and I think Farmington really did a good job of encouraging public service, especially through our many clubs and organizations, but also with Latin Honors and the requirement to do service hours,” said Benoist.
Now, a 20-year-old college student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Benoist is enrolled in the Kinder Institute of Democracy and enjoys studying governmental systems.
“I cannot say enough good things about the Kinder Institute and would say to anyone interested in the Intersection of Law, philosophy, politics, and history to come and visit and see what we’re up to on the 4th floor of Jesse Hall,” he explained.
As a young person involved in politics, Benoist is aware of the doubts people have about his age. Benoist believes that more young people should be involved in local political systems. He suggests that most politicians lack an understanding of the needs of youth, and therefore cannot grasp the reality that many young people face.
“They often don’t have to live with the consequences of their own actions (or more often inaction),” Benoist said. “It’s time for a new wave of leaders, and I want to be a part of it. My youth and unique experience as a student offered perspectives not often seen or available in the political sphere.”
For the past 20 years, the position of District I Associate County Commissioner has not been held by a democratic candidate. Benoist claims that democracy does not thrive this way, and believes that democracy is best when “there is fair competition between two or more candidates who truly care about their communities.” Benoist says that the race between him and republican Kary Buckley for the Commission seat was a great representation of democracy.
“Being a minority party in a predominantly republican controlled area was tough, but I hope my campaign taught people that Democrats aren’t this scary monster; we’re just people who have different ideas on our country,” Benoist said.
During his campaign, Benoists’ approach to engaging with the community did not go unnoticed. He made it his mission to understand the demographics in St. Francois County as well as the politics. Benoist explained to community members who he was, his goals, and what he planned to accomplish as County Commissioner.
A large portion of Benoists’ campaign was educating community members about the role of County Commissioner.
“The County Commission is best described as the legislative branch of the county government, but simultaneously serves as the executive who assists in executing policy,” he said. “There are three Commissioners that serve four-year terms, two associates and one presiding. The Commission sets county policy, enacts ordinances, and manages county policy.”
One of the goals Benoist would’ve liked to accomplish while serving as County Commissioner is expanding the property of Owl Creek Park, and reforming the services provided to community members there, while creating ways to decrease the homeless population within the community.
Benoist hopes that community members will remember that his campaign offered a choice that they haven’t had in over two decades, and that he is committed to improving the community.
“Get involved, go to party meetings, read the news, stay informed, and if you’re up to it: Run for something!” Benoist offered students at FHS.
