93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
Missouri Senator Roy Blunt released a video Monday morning saying he will not run for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
Blunt, who’s 71, says in the video “after 14 general election victories, three to county office, seven to the United States House of Representatives, and four statewide elections, I won’t be a candidate for re-election to the United States Senate next year.”
Blunt thanked his family as well as Missourians for the opportunity to work for them to build a better future for our state and our country.
Blunt was a social studies teacher at Marshfield High School in 1973 when his political career started with an appointment to the position of Greene County Clerk.
He was elected to the position three times and served a total of 12 years.
Blunt ran an unsuccessful campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 1980.
In 1984, after incumbent Missouri Secretary of State James Kirkpatrick decided to retire, Blunt ran for the position and won the Republican primary with 79% of the vote before going on to defeat Gary Sharpe in the general election.
Blunt won reelection in 1988.
Blunt ran for Governor in 1992, but lost to then Attorney General Bill Webster in the Republican primary.
In 1996, after serving as president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Blunt ran for the U.S. House of Representatives after incumbent Mel Hancock honored his promise to serve only four terms.
Blunt beat Gary Nodler in the primary before going on to win the general election.
He served in the House from 1997-2011.
Blunt won election to the U.S. Senate in 2010, defeating Democrat nominee Robin Carnahan.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins made the following statement today regarding U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s Retirement Announcement:
“Roy Blunt has been a tireless champion for Missouri agriculture for decades and knows our state better than anyone. Senator Blunt never forgot the lessons of hard work and common sense he learned growing up on a dairy farm in southwest Missouri. Our farmers and ranchers have been blessed to work with him in support of agriculture and Missouri values. We will miss his experience and wise leadership.
“Of course, there is still much to accomplish over the next 22 months. Senator Blunt has never shied away from tackling the tough issues throughout his years of service, and we know he will not stop fighting until the job is done. We look forward to working with Senator Blunt during his remaining time in office to help the people of Missouri, and we wish him all the best in retirement.”