There are now at least four declared Republican candidates for Missouri Secretary of State, including two new entrants from the St. Louis region.

State Rep. Adam Schwadron, a Republican from St. Charles, declared his candidacy Thursday in radio interviews and a news release.

Last month, Schwadron, who was first elected to the House in 2020, told Spectrum News that his experience matched or exceeded that of those who have served in the office dating back to Matt Blunt in 2001. 

In his announcement Thursday, Schwadron said he planned to run on a platform of election security and faith in elections.

“Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our republic. Too many people have fought and died for the right to participate in elections only to have suspected fraud and corruption take away the value of our vote," he said.

In a brief interview Friday, Schwadron said the 2020 presidential election in Missouri was “free, fair, transparent and accurate.” 

Schwadron said he would push for signature verification on absentee ballots and would also work to defend election workers from harassment and violence.

“To those people that are questioning the results, go in and see what is happening,” he said.

Last week, Valentina Gomez, from south St. Louis, filed a statement of candidacy with the Missouri Ethics Commission to run as a Republican. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

State Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, and Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller are the other declared candidates for the race.

State Rep. Alan Gray had been the only Democrat to file Missouri Ethics Commission paperwork for the race, but later switched to run for Black Jack City Council next spring. 

Filing with the Secretary of State’s office doesn’t begin until February.