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Jo Ann Emerson to retire from US House

United States Congress

At least two Missouri Republicans have confirmed interest in succeeding U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson after her planned retirement.

Emerson announced Monday that she will leave her congressional seat in February to become the president and CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative.

Missouri Republican Party Executive Director Lloyd Smith and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman confirmed interest in seeking the seat.

The 8th Congressional District is mostly Republican. It covers southeastern Missouri, stretching north to include part of Jefferson County south of St. Louis. The district goes west to include Rolla and south-central Missouri's Ozark County. It will be the first time in about 30 years an Emerson has not represented the district in Congress. Emerson first took office in 1996, replacing her husband, Bill Emerson, after his death.

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