Nieves Drops Out of Re-Elect Primary

Post Dispatch:

JEFFERSON CITY • Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, is no longer seeking re-election.

Nieves withdrew his papers this afternoon, following a 1,600-word Facebook post this weekend hinting that he might do just that.

Nieves could not be reached for comment.

In his Facebook post, he endorsed House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, to run for the primary. Jones is term limited out of his position.

It was reported that Nieves — known for controversial bills such as one that would nullify federal gun laws — would drop out of his re-election race for the 26th district seat, making room for Jones.

Jones — who has been raising support for a run in the Republican primary for state attorney general — would not say if he would file for the primary. Filing ends March 25.

Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, filed in the primary against Nieves for the 26th district seat.

In a news release sent this week, Schatz pledged a full, four-year term in the seat.

“The people of Franklin and St. Louis counties deserve a State Senator who will focus on them, not the next office they plan to run for,” Schatz said.