Columbia state senator announces intent to run for Missouri secretary of state at University of Missouri homecoming parade

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia State Sen. Caleb Rowden announced his plans to run for Missouri secretary of state by displaying a large sign at the University of Missouri Homecoming parade.

The Republican served as Senate President Pro Tem this year. Due to term limits, Rowden's time in the Missouri Senate is coming to an end after 2024.

Rowden made the announcement through a large sign at the MU Homecoming Parade and shared it online, where he said, "Wanted my hometown #MIZZOU faithful to be the first to know about our future plans. Aubrey & I & the kids are ready to embark on this exciting new political journey."

Current Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Rowden will face off in the election against Rep. Adam Schwadron (R-St. Charles), State Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) and Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller.

Rowden was elected to represent Boone and Cooper Counties in the Missouri Senate in 2016; after redistricting he only represents Boone County. From 2019 to 2022, Rowden was Senate Majority Floor Leader. Before that he served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Rowden is also the owner of a Columbia marketing company called Clarius Interactive. Before going into politics, Rowden was a Christian singer-songwriter.

A tweet he shared earlier this year on a drag performance at a Columbia Public Schools field trip led to months of controversy over the event.