Ross Walks Free Amid Election Scandal | Joplin News

Joplin News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 15, 2026 · 1m

Thomas Ross, the Republican primary winner for Missouri’s 161st District, is walking free from jail after being accused of trying to set up his opponent, Louise Secker, with drugs. The judge granted him an “OR bond,” requiring him to appear in court and surrender his passport, while banning him from contacting anyone involved. Ross stepped down as nominee on September 4, and Secker officially took his place on the ballot last Tuesday — turning a wild political scandal into a completely reshaped race. This courtroom drama may be even more intense than the campaign trail ever was. Listen in…