Cheryle Perkins has won House District 160 by 45% of the votes against her Democratic opponent, Angela Thomas.
In a post on her campaign Facebook page, Angela Thomas said “Congratulations to Cheryle Perkins on her victory. I wish her well and look forward to seeing how she will lead and deliver for our community in the days ahead.”
This is the first time a Republican woman has been elected to the seat since Ellen Brandom in 2010.
Two women being on the ballot this year is unprecendented for this district.
This is the first time District 160, which covers Newton County and parts of Jasper County, will have a representative since May 2025.
Rep. Ben Baker left to become Missouri's Director of USDA Rural Development.
When asked about the district's vacancy, Perkins said former Rep. Dirk Deaton was able to fill in when available. Deaton represented parts of Newton and McDonald counties in District 159. Perkins went to Deaton often for assessor questions.
Perkins has been the Newton County Tax Assessor for the last 23 years. In an interview with KRPS about her candidacy, she said her campaign is focused on issues of tax reform and improving the state’s mental health facilities.
She said voters she's spoken with are most concerned about taxes and rural healthcare.
Perkins’s win maintains the Republican 24-year-control of the seat in the district.
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