Missouri representative won’t seek U.S. Senate bid

A U.S. congresswoman from Missouri will not seek election to the U.S. Senate.

On Monday, Rep. Vicky Hartzler announced she will instead look to get re-elected to the 4th Congressional District.

“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives,” said Hartzler.

Rep. Hartzler, who was elected in 2010, is serving her fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Before heading to Capitol Hill, Hartzler served as state representative for Missouri’s 124th District for six years as a member of the state’s Legislature.

“I and my family took a hard look and prayed faithfully about running for the United States Senate. While I am honored by the support I’ve received, it is my belief this race is for another solid conservative to pursue and win in 2018.”

Hartzler serves as the Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, and the Chairwoman of the House Values Action Team.

“I believe my focus needs to be on rebuilding and restoring our national defense, getting our economy moving again and fixing a broken Washington for the hardworking people of our state in my role, should the good people of this district give this honor again.”

Austin Peterson, who ran for president in 2016 on the Libertarian ticket, and political outsider Tony Monetti are the only two Republican candidates who are running against incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.

The Senate 2018 race will be determined by Missourians when they head to the polls on Nov. 6, 2018.