Candidate filings for the Aug. 2 primary election opened at 8 a.m. last Tuesday, Feb. 22. Candidates for statewide office filed at the Secretary of State’s Office in Jefferson City. Candidates for Cape Girardeau County filed at the County Clerk’s Office in Jackson.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft thanked candidates and staff for a successful start to the August primary candidate filing period.
Of the 337 candidates who filed for state offices, 236 filed as Republican, 95 as Democrat and six as Libertarian.
U.S. Senate
With Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt’s decision not to run again, 15 Republicans and eight Democrats threw their hats into the ring Feb. 22 for that one position.
Republicans include Patrick A. Lewis of Wellsville, Eric Schmitt of Kirkwood, Billy Long of Springfield, Eric Greitens of Chesterfield, Bernie Mowinski of Sunrise Beach, C.W. Gardner of St. Louis, Deshon Porter of St. Louis, Vicky Hartzler of Harrisonville, Dave Sims of Kansas City, Mark McCloskey of St. Louis, Eric McElroy of Tunas, Dennis Lee Chilton of Springfield, Robert Allen of Defiance, Dave Schatz of Sullivan and Hartford Tunnell of Carthage.
Democrats include: Lewis Rolen of St. Louis, Scott Sifton of St. Louis, Gena Ross of Platte City, Carla Coffee Wright of St. Louis, Josh Shipp of St. Louis, Spencer Toder of St. Louis, Lucas Kunce of Independence and Jewel Kelly of Festus.
U.S. Congress
U.S. Rep. Jason Smith of Cape Girardeau has filed again to represent the eighth congressional district. He will face challenger Jacob Turner of Jackson in the August primary, and any other challengers who may still file. No Democrats filed on the first day of filing.
State Auditor
Two Republican candidates filed for state auditor last Tuesday. They were David Gregory of St. Louis and Scott Fitzpatrick of Shell Knob. On the Democrat ticket, Alan Green of Florissant was the only candidate to file the first day.
State Representatives
State Rep. Barry Hovis of Jackson is running for reelection in District 146. He had no Republican challenger, and no Democrat candidate filed for this office as filing opened.
There is more action going on in neighboring District 147 which was vacated by State Rep. Wayne Walling-ford when he was appointed to direct the Missouri Department of Revenue Jan. 3. On the first day of filing, Cape Girardeau residents John Voss and Elaine Edgar filed. On the Democrat ticket, Andy Leighton filed for District 147.
Cape Girardeau County
Also filing for re-election on Feb. 22 were the following Republican incumbents in Cape Girardeau County: Associate Circuit Judge Div. 3 Frank E. Miller, Associate Circuit Judge Div. 4 Julia M. Koester, Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy, Clerk of the Circuit Court Charleen “Charlie” Biester, Recorder of Deeds Andrew David (Drew) Blattner, Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Welker, Auditor Eugene (Pete) Frazier III and Collector of Revenue Barbara Gholson.
County Clerk Kara Clark Summers did not file for re-election as filing opened.
No Republican challengers or Democrats filed for these county offices Feb. 22.
Filing continues
Candidate filing will continue through March 29 during regular office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Candidates for U.S. and state offices, along with some judges, are required to file in person at the Secretary of State’s office building, 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City.
Candidates for Cape Coun-ty offices may file at the office of Kara Clark Summers, county clerk, in the Cape Girardeau County Administrative Building, 1 Barton Sq., Suite 301, Jackson.
Candidates who filed on the first day drew a random number to determine ballot placement. Candidates filing after the first day are placed on the ballot in filing time order.
Exceptions for in-person filing are made to candidates that are active duty members of the armed services or unable to appear in person due to physical disabilities.
For a current list of filed state and U.S. candidates, visit s1.sos.mo.gov/candidatesonweb. Information on county candidates can be found at https://capecountyelections.com.
For more information on candidate filing, visit sos.mo.gov/elections/candidates.
Secretary of State Ashcroft believes public service is a calling more than a job. “We’re grateful to all the candidates who filed at our office,” Ashcroft said. “I understand the sacrifice and commitment required to run for public office, and I thank those willing to serve the people of Missouri.”
