JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Just two weeks after Republican Rep. Ann Wagner announced that she would not enter the race for the U.S. Senate in 2018, another fellow representative has pulled her name from the running: Rep. Vicky Hartzler.
In an announcement posted on Facebook Monday morning, the Republican said that a 2018 run against Sen. Claire McCaskill was not on the table and that instead, she would be seeking re-election for her current seat.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives. I love the great people of the 4th Congressional District and feel honored to be their voice in Washington. I believe the best way to continue to serve them is by taking their common-sense ideas and Heartland values to Washington.”
Hartzler said that she and her family took a hard look at running for U.S. Senate, and was honored by the support, but she said it is her belief that “this race is for another solid conservative to pursue and win in 2018.”
“I believe my focus needs to be on rebuilding and restoring our national defense, getting our economy moving again and fixing a broken Washington for the hardworking people of our state in my current role should the good people of this district give me this honor again,” she wrote. “While we are moving in the right direction, there is much to be done. I believe our future is bright and I look forward to working alongside our conservative Senate nominee to restore the American Dream for all Missourians.”
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
