Republican files paperwork to run for 19th Senate District

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

James Coyne filed paperwork Wednesday at the Secretary of State's Office to officially run for the 19th Senate District seat.

Republicans nominated the Columbia business owner at their meeting Tuesday night.

James Coyne was unanimously selected by the 19th State Senate District Committee for the Missouri Republican Party. He is taking the place of Chuck Basye on the August primary ballot, who dropped out of the race in April due to health concerns.

Coyne owns Coyne Agency Inc., a Columbia insurance broker. He previously ran as a write-in candidate for the 19th Senate District in 2020.

Boone County Republican Central Committee Chair Anthony Lupo said even though Coyne is somewhat of a political newcomer, he believes Coyne reflects the values of Republicans in Boone County.

"I think he'll connect with people and I think that his values will connect with people, as well," Lupo said. "So, I'm very happy with the choice."

Lupo said Coyne was chosen because he's well-spoken, intelligent, friendly and can articulate his vision well. He said he stands for a more limited, accountable and transparent government.

Coyne was not available for comment on Wednesday, but did say the first leg of his platform can be found at moleadershipproject.org.

According to the website, Coyne's platform is "changing a corrupt system" in Jefferson City.

The site says, "Our state capitol has a corruption problem and that problem can be fixed. It will require both removing unprincipled elected officials and changing the veiled legislative system they prosper in."

It goes on to say that elected officials must be able to bring legislation to a vote on the floor regardless of the thoughts of those in leadership. It says, "Political power should not be concentrated in a few hands, but should be distributed evenly among the originators and representatives of that power."

Republican 19th Senatorial District Chair Mike Zweifel said in an email to ABC 17 News the party believes Coyne makes a great candidate.

"We truly appreciate everyone who expressed interest in being the person selected to replace Chuck," Zweifel said. "We believe James will be a great candidate and will foster great discussions on what the role of government is and what it should be to the campaign."

Coyne is now running against Democrat Stephen Webber. His campaign said Wednesday they have raised nearly $1 million since starting the campaign in January 2023.

Lupo said next steps for the Republican Party will be to introduce Coyne to the public. He said while campaign money is something to be concerned about, it is not a deciding factor.

"Every two and four years, you hear stories about how 'This candidate or that was outspent 5-1 or 10-1 and they won the race.' So, while money does correlate to winning more often than not, it's not a guarantee," Lupo said.

In response to Coyne's nomination, Webber said, "By nominating James Coyne to replace Chuck Basye, Boone County Republicans have unfortunately tripled down on candidates that push conspiracy theories and deny election results. While James supports the January 6th insurrection I will remain laser focused on making sure Columbia is as good and safe a place to grow up for today’s kids as it was for me.”

The Webber Campaign referenced a Facebook post from December 2020 in which Coyne said, "I will be in DC on Jan. 6 with my son to protest-should be a wild day indeed."

Coyne and Webber will now face off on the August primary ballot.