Barnes re-elected to Statehouse post

In this May 13, 2016 file photo, Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, prepares to vote in Missouri House.
In this May 13, 2016 file photo, Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, prepares to vote in Missouri House.

For the next two years, incumbent Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, will continue to represent District 60 of the Missouri House, beating his Democrat challenger Kevin Nelson by almost 5,000 votes.

Barnes received 11,137 votes, or 64.23 percent, to Nelson's 6,201 votes.

"It's a tremendous honor to be able to serve another term," Barnes said. "I'm ready to get back to work in January."

In an earlier interview with the News Tribune, Barnes said his goal is to make state government work for every single Missourian, not just those who are savvy enough to hire lobbyists.

"My constituents don't like double standards," Barnes told the News Tribune.

In the upcoming legislative session, Barnes plans to work to increase state employee wages, secure matching funds for agricultural research at Lincoln University, and continue discussions about education and Medicaid reform.

Democrat challenger Nelson said he was disappointed but hopes his position in the race was a wake-up call for Barnes.

"We ran a good race, and I'm happy with that," said Nelson.

When asked about his expectations for next session, he noted he hopes Missouri can hold out from becoming a right-to-work state.

"I just hope there was some positive influence with me being in the race," Nelson said. "I hope that Jay Barnes will work hard and provide real improvement for increasing state worker wages."

 

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