Franklin Delano “Denny” Roth II has announced his candidacy for the Missouri 8th District U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Republican Rep. Jason Smith, of Salem.
Roth, of Hillsboro in Jefferson County, has thrown his hat in the ring for the 2024 election cycle, with an official announcement made to about 100 attendees at noon Dec. 10 at the American Legion Hall in Festus. He is one of two Democratic candidates who have declared their intention to file for the Aug. 6 primary election, the other being Randi McCallian, Edgar Springs. Filing begins at 8 a.m. Feb. 27 and ends at 5 p.m. March 26.
“Our district needs better jobs, higher wages, affordable healthcare including access to rural hospitals, a new farm program that does a better job of helping small farmers, and to protect and increase social security benefits,” said Roth. “Everyone wants these things — Democrats and Republicans aren't nearly as far apart as the media would have us believe. We don't have to hate each other over issues.”
Roth added, “I was a grain farmer for 26 years with my father, where I learned the value of hard work, determination and honesty.”
Now retired from farming, Roth says he supports universal healthcare and is pro-union. Learn more about him at www.fdrii4mo.com.
