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DeLear to launch campaign for state representative Thursday

BRIDGETON, Mo. – Byron DeLear, the chairman and CEO of Energy Equity Funding, will start his campaign for state representative Thursday night in Bridgeton. The green energy-minded business executive will be running for the Democratic nomination in the 70th district

Bryron DeLear
Byron DeLear

The 70th is currently represented by Democrat Bill Otto, who is running for congress against Congresswoman Ann Wagner.

“We need to restore balance to Missouri’s General Assembly, and I will fight to ensure the citizens of the 70th district and the state have every opportunity to succeed,” he said in a release. “We need to repair crumbling roads and bridges, properly fund our children’s education, and help our neighbors access health care with Medicaid expansion.”

DeLear also highlighted one of the most pressing problems facing his district: the existence of a subsurface smoldering landfill fire at the West Lake landfill that is slowly spreading to nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project. DeLear says that problem should become a priority for the state.

“The families living near the West Lake Landfill deserve a permanent solution that keeps their children safe,” he said. “I will work tirelessly until that situation is resolved.”

DeLear already has the endorsement state Rep. Mary Nichols, D-Maryland Heights, as well as from former U.S. representative Russ Carnahan and state Sen. Jill Schupp.

“Byron is the best candidate, has the support of many in the community, and will be a great leader in Jefferson City,” Nichols said in a release. “Democrats throughout the region should be proud to support his campaign with the resources needed to retain this seat in the legislature. He’s the right man for the job.”

DeLear formerly ran for congress twice.

The campaign will kick off at Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Sports Cafe in Bridgeton.

Otto and Howard Abrams also have active candidate committees for the seat. No Republicans have declared.