Newton County Assessor to join 160th District representative race

 Newton County Assessor Cheryle Perkins announced today that she plans to file for the 160th District state representative post that has been vacant since Ben Baker, R-Neosho, resigned to take a position with the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Perkins posted the following message on her Facebook page this evening:

After being approached by Representatives and Senators the last 5 months wanting me to join them at the Capital for tax reform and other matters, I have decided today to run for MO Representative Dist 160. I will be going to Jefferson City to officially file so that I can continue to protect my constitutes of Newton County at the State level. I ask and pray for your support.

Perkins, a Republican, would join Chris Wright, Joplin, and Jonathan Russell, Neosho, in the GOP primary.