State Sen. Brian Nieves may be quitting Jefferson City, but he’s not quitting politics.
Nieves, R-Washington, filed Monday for Franklin County recorder of deeds. He’s among four Republicans and one Democrat seeking to succeed incumbent Sharon Birkman, who is not seeking re-election. The Republicans will compete in the August primary.
The post pays $67,215 a year.
En route to Jefferson City, Nieves confirmed via text that he had filed for the job. He said he would have additional comments later.
Nieves has unsettled the state Senate and the state GOP with his decision not to seek re-election to the Senate’s 26th District, which he has represented since 2011. Nieves was eligible to serve another term. He has said he wanted to be closer to family. Earlier, Nieves was a member of the Missouri House.
So far, various Republicans have discussed filing for his current job. State Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, already has filed. Former state Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, has indicated strong interest.
Candidate filing throughout Missouri ends Tuesday for this summer’s primaries and the fall election.