New candidate in Missouri House Race announced after original nominee accused of trying to plant drugs on his opponent

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. (KY3) - A replacement has been selected after the Republican nominee for Missouri House District 161 was arrested for federal drug crimes.

The Jasper County Republican Committee has selected Louise Secker as the new Republican nominee for the November general election. She ran in the August Primary, losing to Republican Thomas Ross by just 33 votes.

After the necessary paperwork is complete, Secker will face Democrat Aaron Metzger for the House Seat that includes much of Joplin.

“Louise has demonstrated her commitment to the people of House District 161 through her years of service to our community,” says Lynn Ragsdale, Chair of the Jasper County Republican Central Committee. “The committee came together, followed the process, and unanimously selected Louise Secker to carry the Republican nomination forward. We are grateful for her willingness to step forward and serve.”

Secker released a statement following the nomination:

“Missouri politics can certainly be unpredictable. I am honored to accept the Republican nomination for State Representative and grateful to the members of the Republican committee for placing their trust in me. For years, my work at Lafayette House gave me the opportunity to stand alongside victims of trauma and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That experience taught me the importance of listening, showing up, and helping people find a path forward. That is the same approach I will bring to serving the people of Joplin. My personal experience will inform my legislative efforts moving forward. This is not how I expected this journey to unfold, but I am ready to get to work. I look forward to spending the weeks ahead talking with voters across our district, listening to their concerns, and earning their trust. It would be an incredible honor to represent our community in Jefferson City.”

Aaron Metzger also released a statement regarding Secker’s nomination:

“While I do not know Louise Secker personally, everything I have heard suggests she is well respected, and I believe she will be a strong candidate for the Republican Party. Her entry does not change how I will run this race. I will remain focused on the issues that matter the most to Joplin, like rising utilities, data centers, healthcare and affordability of everyday necessities. Our community deserves an honest, respectful campaign and strong representation in Jefferson City, and that is what I will continue working to provide.”

Thomas Ross officially dropped out of the race on Friday. Ross faces a federal charge for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, the FBI received a call from Joplin Police on Thursday, July 30, regarding a “public corruption” matter in Joplin.

Joplin Police told the FBI that Ross’s former campaign manager, identified as C.S., said Ross asked him to plant drugs on Ross’s opponent, identified as L.S.

C.S. gave law enforcement a black nylon glove he said Ross had given him. Inside the glove was a small plastic bag containing a small amount of white powder. Investigators used a Nartec Inc. cocaine test kit on the powder, which showed a positive match for cocaine.

Investigators also found a pink and white capsule inside the glove. The capsule was identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine 20 mg extended release, also known as Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance.

C.S. told investigators he and Ross exchanged text messages in which Ross asked C.S. to place the bag of drugs inside the purse or vehicle of L.S. while Ross was out of state on vacation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon is prosecuting the case. The FBI and the Joplin Police Department are investigating.

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