Chris Kelly files for 24th District seat in Missouri House

Chris Kelly, a longtime Columbia resident and public servant, filed Friday for Democratic nomination for election to the 24th District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Kelly, 61, said he was motivated to run after speaking with MU staff, who he said talked about attacks on the university by “the extremist elements of the Republican Party.”

“There have been attacks on the constitutional independence of the university and attacks on the research role of the institution,” Kelly said. “(These things) are critical to the well-being of the institution.”

Kelly most recently served as an associate circuit judge in the 13th Circuit Court of Missouri from 2000 to 2006. From 1982 to 1994, Kelly served in the Missouri House, representing the 23rd and 26th districts. He also served as the Boone County clerk from 1978 to 1982.

In a press release, Kelly said he aims to end partisanship in the General Assembly.

“The tone and climate in the General Assembly has become poisoned by excessive partisanship,” Kelly said in the release. “I will seek to re-establish a climate of bipartisan cooperation, a climate where the good of the state is more important than the temporary political advantage of either party.”

Kelly announced his intent to run in October. Primary elections will be held in August and the 24th District seat will be filled in the November general election.