JOPLIN, Mo. – Rep. Charlie Davis is pulling out of the race to take over after Sen. Ron Richard finishes his final term in the SD 32.
The Republican confirmed his withdrawal with the Missouri Times on Friday evening, saying that he was instead looking to focus on matters back home, namely the care of his family.
“I’m stepping out of the race,” he said. “My faith dictates who I am, and I’ve been married 26 years, and we promised to stick together through sickness and health. And we have some family members, my dad, my grandfather-in-law, and my mother-in-law who live in Webb City, within a couple of miles of us. My wife, who does in-home care, has also been taking care of them.”
He says that his desire to take care of his family and be closer to home spurned the decision, and says that there’s thankfully an opportunity for him to still serve his community and the public back home.
“I found out that our county clerk was not running for reelection, and I felt like this was a God opportunity to still serve the public but also stay at home and take care of my family,” he said. “It’s nothing but a decision to take care of my family.”
Withdrawing his name from the Senate race, Davis says he has not yet decided whether to endorse any other candidates – he would have faced Rep. Bill White in the primary – but says he will think and pray on the matter. He also said he wouldn’t be surprised if another candidate filed to run before the deadline.
That being said, whoever wins, Davis says he’ll be ready to hold them accountable.
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.
