Ben Baker files paperwork for statewide office campaign

In an amended statement of campaign committee organization posted earlier this year, Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, who is term limited, said he intends to seek statewide office in 2028.

Even though his paperwork indicates he doesn't have an election for three and a half years, Baker, who was re-elected in November to a fourth term in the House, spent $2,137.53 for seven meals during the first three months of 2025 including:

Sweet Smoke, Jefferson City, $132.86 January 14

Las Trojos, Jefferson City, $1,136.77, January 14

Wilder's Steakhouse, Joplin, $322.90, January 27

Honeypop's, Anderson, $146.22, February 24

Pappo's Pizzeria, Jefferson City, $111.28, March 13

Club 609, Joplin, $131.50, March 17

The Water Tower, Jefferson City, $156, March 28

Baker's quarterly disclosure form, filed April 5 with the Missouri Ethics Commission, shows $1,500 in contributions, $500 apiece from Hahn-DeBoef PAC, Missouri Cable PAC and Missouri Optometric PAC, all of Jefferson City.

Baker spent $10,668.40 during the quarter, leaving him with $73,474.09 in the bank.

Baker received $2,000 in contributions during the final three months of 2024, $1,000 apiece from Lance and Sharon Beshore, Joplin.