Pat Fowler announces she is dropping out of Columbia First Ward race

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Ward 1 Councilwoman Pat Fowler announced on her social media that she will be ending her reelection bid.

In a Facebook post, she said family responsibilities was the major contributing factor.

"Many of you know that in September 2018 my StepMom moved to Columbia so I could be her decision-maker and caregiver, and that in recent months her health has been declining. When I weigh my multiple job, civic, and family responsibilities, I am increasingly focused on the time I want and need to
spend caring for my Mom," she said in the post. "For this reason, I have made the difficult decision to end my campaign for re-election to the First Ward council seat."

She said in the post that she will still be participating in City Council meetings through April 3, the day before the election.

"Also, please understand this is not the end of my advocacy or activism. This is a pause so I can tend to my family and get ready for this next season, as there is still so much to do," she wrote.

Fowler has been splitting time between her job in Kansas City and her home in Columbia.

Fowler was running for reelection for the First Ward City Council seat against Nick Knoth.

"We've had a very healthy competition," Knoth said in a phone interview. "I appreciate that. I recognize the difficult decision she has made and agree family should always come first."