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Leara steps away from senate bid

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Mike Leara, R-St. Louis, announced Thursday that this session in the Capitol would be his last for the foreseeable future.

The term-limited representative has decided not to run for state Senate as he had initially planned.

“Many of you have recently expressed your support for me to continue my service to our district by running for the Missouri Senate,” he wrote in an email to friends and supporters. “Being considered by you as a worthy Senate candidate is the highest of honors and I am truly humbled. After much thought and careful deliberation, however, I have decided not to run.”

Leara
Leara

While Leara acknowledged that he wanted “capable, conservative leadership” in the Senate, he elected not to sun, and instead support the Republican party’s other candidate for the the 15th District, which is currently occupied by Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale.

“In large part, my decision not to run centers on my full confidence in a very qualified candidate that I will be fully supporting – Rick Stream,” Leara wrote. “I strongly believe Rick has the character and ability to do an excellent job representing us for many years to come, fighting for our conservative values in Jefferson City.”

Stream is a former state representative, who most notably served as chair of the House Budget Committee.

“Thank you for the dedication and tremendous support you have shown me during my years in the House of Representatives,” Leara concluded. “I look forward to a bright and prosperous future for our community.”