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Ashcroft tops Kraus for GOP SOS nomination

ST. LOUIS – Jay Ashcroft has topped state Sen. Will Kraus by 27 points in the Republican primary for secretary of state.

Ashcroft said he was ready to challenge Robin Smith, who ran only against fringe candidates in the Democratic primary, in the general election in November.

Ashcroft_Official_Headshot
Jay Ashcroft

“I am honored to have earned the Republican nomination for Missouri Secretary of State,” Ashcroft said in a statement. “This November, Missourians will have a clear choice. We can continue down the same path that liberal Secretaries of State have taken us or we can take our state in a new direction. The choice will be one between the same, old tired politics of the past or a new direction – one of honesty, integrity, and fairness.”

Ashcroft raised over $820,000 which was slightly less money than Kraus’ $870,000.

For Kraus, the loss means he will return to the Capitol to serve the final two years in his second term in the state senate. Kraus was understandably disappointed with the result, but he said he would support Ashcroft in his fight against Smith.

Both candidates focused heavily on their support of photo voter ID measures. While Kraus passed a highly contested bill through the General Assembly this past session that put the issue on the ballot, Ashcroft promoted an initiative petition that was not submitted for approval.

Ashcroft narrowly lost a state Senate election to Sen. Jill Schupp in 2014.