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McDowell locks down GOP nomination in Auditor primary

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – One thing is certain about the state of the State Auditor’s office next year: it will be run by a woman.

Saundra McDowell, a Republican from Jefferson City, emerged from a four-way primary as the GOP’s nominee to run against Democrat Nicole Galloway in November.

McDowell, the only attorney in the race, defeated Republicans David Wasinger, state Rep. Paul Curtman, and Kevin Roach to claim the nomination, finishing the night with 33 percent of the vote, about 8,500 votes short of 200,000.

McDowell was outraised in funds by Wasinger but still overcame that obstacle to claim the victory. However, she will have to quickly turn around and begin raising to defeat Galloway, who has been stockpiling contributions for months now, with more than one million dollars in cash on hand.

McDowell comes to the race as a 38-year-old Air Force veteran who worked as the director of enforcement for the securities division of the Secretary of State’s Office as well as spending time in the Attorney General’s Office. McDowell says that her experience in those offices makes her the most qualified to serve as Auditor, as well as the best choice to defeat Galloway.

GEARING UP: McDowell touts leadership and experience in bid to become next State Auditor

The two candidates will face off in the November 6 general election.