Several notable conservative women this week endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Eric Schmitt, forming an official Women for Schmitt coalition.
The coalition “highlights that prominent Republican women from across Missouri are resoundingly supporting pro-life America First candidate Eric Schmitt for U.S. Senate,” the group’s press release said.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve as the statewide chair of Women for Schmitt and serve alongside amazing women from across the Show-Me State,” said Kay Hoflander, former state chair of the Missouri Republican Party.
“Eric Schmitt is a conservative leader with a proven track record of fighting for Missouri, and we know Eric Schmitt is best equipped to lead Missouri and our nation during these troubling times. That’s why Missouri women are choosing Eric Schmitt for U.S. Senate.”
Throughout the pandemic, Schmitt, the sitting Missouri attorney general, secured a robust reputation of working vehemently against the imposition of mask mandates, especially in schools. As he started filing numerous lawsuits, schools began to drop the mask requirements – a move that likely earned Schmitt some brownie points with the majority of Missouri voters.
“I have followed him since he became attorney general and watched what he has done for the state of Missouri and how he has stood up against the left-wing policies,” said Anna Voelker, Southeast Missouri co-chair of Women for Schmitt. “I’ve just appreciated what he’s been willing to do and how vocal he’s been on behalf of conservatives.”
Pettis County coalition co-chair Carla Young threw her support behind the attorney general because she believes he’s the “fighter” Missouri needs in the U.S. Senate.
“He’s not afraid to fight, even if it’s at the federal level or in the Supreme Court,” Young said. “He’ll fight the president – whatever it takes to do the right thing for the people of Missouri. We need a bulldog up there, and that’s what he is. We need to take back some control in Washington and rein in some of the nonsense that’s going on up there.”
Women for Schmitt leadership features numerous women across Missouri putting campaign efforts toward their specific county or region of the state. The full leadership team is as follows:
- Kay Hoflander, Statewide Chair of Women for Schmitt
- Rene Artman, St. Louis co-chair
- Janice DeWeese, St. Louis co-chair
- Susie Eckelkamp, Franklin County co-chair
- Sharon Stacklehouse, Jackson County co-chair
- Beverly Worth, Jackson County co-chair
- Lana Crain, Lafayette County co-chair
- Carla Young, Pettis County co-chair
- Mary Hill, Clay County co-chair
- Rebecca Rooney, Platte County co-chair
- Stefanie Ostendorf, Greene County co-chair
- Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, Northeast Missouri co-chair
- Lori Smith, Adair County co-chair
- Anna Voelker, Southeast Missouri co-chair
- Carrie Yanson, Scott County co-chair
- Christine Kleindienst, Callaway County co-chair
- Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, Jefferson County co-chair
- Penny Henke, St. Charles County co-chair
“I am honored to have the support of so many Missouri women who have been leaders in our party,” Schmitt said in the coalition’s press release. “They bring excitement, energy and enthusiasm to our America First campaign. Women across the state are critical in ensuring that Missouri’s open Senate seat stays red for decades to come, and I am proud to have them fighting with us to Save America.”
Schmitt is facing 20 other Republican candidates in the Aug. 2 primary election, including U.S. Reps. Vicky Hartzler and Billy Long, and ousted former Gov. Eric Greitens. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 8.
