One freshman lawmaker’s war chest recently got a $100,000 infusion with his own money.
On Thursday, Rep. Jeff Shawan made the uncommon — but not unheard of — move of putting $100,000 of his own money into his campaign committee’s bank account.
That is just shy of the amount he brought in during his successful first bid to the Missouri House. The business owner from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, brought in $111,130.00 and spent $82,850.20 during the 2018 election cycle. According to January filings, Shawan’s campaign committee started off the year with $17,695.54 cash on hand.
“I ran for State Representative to be a strong voice for our rural, conservative values,” Shawan said. “Since being elected I have had the chance to help sponsor and pass what has been called ‘the strongest pro-life legislation in the United States,’ legislation pushing back against the radical ‘Green New Deal,’ and bills aimed at further supporting and defending the second amendment rights of all Missourians. I appreciate all the encouragement I have received and will prayerfully consider the different ways I can continue to be a strong, effective voice for southeast Missouri.”
The large amount of funding he put to his campaign committee could be considered more than necessary to win re-election. However, if he has eyes on the state Senate, that funding could be a good start.
With Sen. Doug Libla being term-limited, there will be no incumbent during the 2020 election SD 25. Though, Shawan has yet to amend his campaign committee for a Senate bid nor officially announced his intentions.
Republicans Eddy Justice, Steve Cookson, and Barry Bean are also candidates or considering candidacy in SD 25.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
