JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, has officially dropped out of the District 26 race for 2014.
“I have the utmost respect for Senator Nieves,” Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, said. “I hope his future endeavors go well and he enjoys this time with his family.”
The timing is advantageous for Schatz who is now the only candidate on the ballot for the senate seat. Franklin County’s Lincoln Day celebration is this weekend and he expects to be welcomed at the event as Franklin County’s favorite candidate.
“I’ve been a resident of Franklin County for nearly 50 years,” he said. “My business is in Franklin County.”
Nieves’ decision to leave the race comes after he posted a lengthy letter on Facebook proclaiming his support for friend, Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka. It was widely speculated that Nieves and Jones had planned on Nieves running unopposed, leaving an opening for Jones to be appointed by the 26th District Republican Senatorial Committee and take the seat without a challenger.
Jones has yet to file for the seat but has until March 25.
“There’s a filing window that’s still open,” Schatz said. “Obviously, I’ll be happier when that filing window is closed.”
Currently Jones has the edge on fundraising, with about $900,000 already raised. However, Schatz is catching up, raising about $300,000 after announcing his decision to run. Schatz committed $250,000 of his own money. He is the president of Underground, Inc., a utility construction company.
Nieves and Jones could not be reached for comment.
