JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Sen. Dan Brown has withdrawn from the race for treasurer, removing his name from the candidate filings, citing “it is not God’s plan for him to make a statewide race at this time.” Brown has given Senate colleague and Republican candidate for treasurer Sen. Eric Schmitt his full support.
Brown’s full statement:
It has been an honor over the last seven years to serve my constituents in the Missouri House and Senate and to make a difference for the workers, farmers and families in my district.
Service to our church, community and state have always been a priority for me and my wife Kathy. These are the values we’ve instilled in our children, Danette and Justin. We have always looked for ways in which we could make a positive impact, not only for the people of my district, but our state as a whole.
For this purpose, I decided to test the waters for a campaign for state treasurer and started a conversation with voters across the state about how best to move Missouri forward. While I deeply appreciate the prayers, encouragement and support I received, it is not God’s plan for me to make a statewide race at this time. Instead, I will focus my full attention and energy over the next two and a half years towards serving my constituents in the State Senate where there is critical work to be done on behalf of all Missourians.
I have contacted Senator Eric Schmitt and made him aware of my decision and told him that he has my full support and endorsement in his campaign to be Missouri’s next state treasurer. I believe it is important for our Party to come together and begin focusing on winning in November.”
Schmitt expressed respect and gratitude towards Brown and his decision.
“I’ve gotten to know and work together with Senator Brown and he is a hard working and tremendously effective senator who puts people ahead of politics,” Schmitt said. “With leaders like him, the State Senate will continue to be in strong and capable hands.
“I welcome Senator Brown’s support for my campaign. This will allow us to focus more energy on our specific proposals to make the state treasurer’s office more effective and conserve resources to draw clear distinctions between me and my eventual opponent in the November election.”
Brown shared he would be running for the seat on February 22.
This story will be updated.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
