Republican Missouri state Sen. Denny Hoskins has emerged victorious in the crowded secretary of state primary election in Missouri. Despite facing a lawsuit for defamation earlier this year, Hoskins secured over 24% of the vote, beating out eight other candidates, including Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher and social media personality Valentina Gomez.
Plocher, who faced scandals related to personal reimbursement for travel expenses and accusations of harassment and intimidation, finished in fourth place with just under 14% of the vote. Gomez, known for spreading extreme far-right talking points, finished in sixth place with only 7% of the vote. Gomez stirred controversy with her viral video running through a gay neighborhood in St. Louis and burning books with a flamethrower.
In contrast, Democratic state Rep. Barb Phifer won the Democratic primary with just under 41% of the vote. The race for Missouri Secretary of State promises to be a contentious one as Hoskins, known for his ties to the Freedom Caucus, prepares to face off against Phifer in the general election.
The Missouri primary results highlight the polarizing nature of the candidates and the issues at stake in the upcoming election. Voters will have a choice between differing ideologies and backgrounds as they decide who will lead the state as Secretary of State in the years to come.
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