Secker to replace Ross in Joplin state house seat race
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Louise Secker will replace Thomas Ross as the Republican nominee for Missouri House District 161, after Ross allegedly tried to have drugs planted on Secker before the primary.
The decision follows Ross’ move to withdraw from the Nov. 3 general election after he was arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The county Republican committee said it will work with Secker and election officials to complete the remaining steps required to place her name on the November ballot. If the process is completed, Secker will face Democratic nominee Aaron Joseph Metzger.
“Louise has demonstrated her commitment to the people of House District 161 through her years of service to our community,” county party Chair Lynn Ragsdale said. “The committee came together, followed the process, and unanimously selected Louise Secker to carry the Republican nomination forward.”
Ross narrowly defeated Secker in the Aug. 4 Republican primary. Ross received 1,586 votes to Secker’s 1,555 — a difference of 31 votes.
Ross was arrested Wednesday on a federal warrant. According to the criminal complaint, Ross’ former campaign manager, identified as C.S., told investigators Ross asked him to plant cocaine and prescription amphetamine in Secker’s purse or vehicle.
The former campaign manager provided investigators with a black glove containing white powder and a capsule, federal prosecutors said. Authorities reported that testing indicated the substances were cocaine and Adderall.
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder and the Jasper County Republican Central Committee had called on Ross to withdraw following his arrest.
“We are focused on moving forward,” Ragsdale said Saturday. “Our priority is to ensure the voters of House District 161 have a Republican candidate who is prepared to work hard, listen to the people of this district, and represent them with integrity and dedication.”
Ross is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
