Rowden will not run for office this year
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia state Sen. Caleb Rowden said Monday that he is dropping out of the Republican primary for secretary of state and will not seek any office this year.
The announcement comes on the first day of spring break during a particularly contentious session in Jefferson City. The session has largely been defined by Republican infighting and Rowden has frequently clashed with the ultra-conservative Missouri Freedom Caucus.
"Politics and public life look and feel a little different than they did even 12 years ago when I was first elected," Rowden wrote in a message posted on social media. "While there have always been deep political and philosophical disagreements about how to get to a desired outcome, the desired outcome and the facts used to make decisions used to be shared values. More and more, the latter no longer seems to be the case. Consensus-building was once a trait that was admired and rewarded. That no longer seems to be the case."
"I am not certain when these shifts started, and I am not certain when, or if, they will shift back. That is not for me to decide, but for the voters who elect men and women to serve in these positions.
"When I announced my intention to run for Secretary of State last November, I truly believed it was the best decision for my family and I. Through a number of additional conversations with my wife and those close to our family, I no longer believe that to be true."
Rowden used the University of Missouri's Homecoming parade in October to announce his candidacy for Secretary of State. Current Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is running for governor.
ANNOUNCEMENT --> Twelve years ago, I ran for the Missouri House with very little understanding of the doors that would be opened and the relationships that would be forged because of my public service in the years to follow. My time in the House and the Senate has been… pic.twitter.com/7DVq094DxP
— Caleb Rowden (@calebrowden) March 18, 2024
His change of heart, Rowden said, came after careful consideration.
"I am as certain as I have ever been that this is the right decision for me and my family in this season of our lives," Rowden wrote. "I have been given numerous small, but meaningful, moments in the last few weeks with my kids that have reminded me of the opportunities that exist for all three of them in the years to come, and how my presence and support in their lives can enhance those opportunities."
Four Republicans have filed for secretary of state, including Freedom Caucus member Denny Hoskins. Two Democrats have also filed.
Rowden had not officially filed for the office. Filing began last month.
Rowden is the Senate president pro tem, representing the 19th District. Democrat Stephen Webber is the only candidate to have filed for that seat.
