COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
John Lane has never run for public office. However, just hours before the Sept. 10 deadline to register as a candidate, Lane tossed his hat in the ring for Missouri’s 50th House District race. The move came after former Republican candidate Joshua Blakeman abruptly dropped out of the race in August, putting Demoract Gregg Bush in a position to claim the uncontested district.
The seat is open after Rep. Doug Mann (D-Columbia) announced last year that he would not seek reelection, citing mental health concerns. The district includes much of south Columbia and Boone County areas bordering the city on the south and east.
Lane, the vice chair of the Boone County Republicans Central Committee, was calculated in his decision. He says he was actively researching other candidates and attended a candidate forum which reignited his passion for politics. He entered the race after working with the Central Committee to earn a nomination. However, one issue pushed him over the top: his love for the University of Missouri, a school that he, his father, and his grandfather all graduated from.