FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2026
Osage County Republican Central Committee Files Election Complaint Against Osage County Clerk
The Osage County Republican Central Committee (OCRC) has filed a formal election complaint with the Missouri Secretary of State Elections Division against Osage County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer for willful failure to promptly forward filing fees paid by Republican candidates to the committee Treasurer, as required by RsMO 115.357.
The complaint follows confirmation on March 2, 2026, that no filing fees have been received by the Treasurer despite multiple candidates filing as Republicans on February 24 and possibly thereafter. The Clerk had clear prior notice:
- June 2025 inquiry from the Clerk about vetting requirements
- December 2025 and January 2026 notifications and hand-delivery of instruction sheets
- February 24, 2026 in-person conversation where OCRC reiterated the forwarding requirement
The Clerk stated she is “just doing what I’m told” by external legal counsel and a commissioner. This willful neglect or refusal to perform a statutory duty may constitute a Class Four Election Offense under RsMO 115.637(12).
Full complaint, detailed statement of facts, and exhibits are available in the OCRC Library.
OCRC is committed to upholding election integrity and protecting the Republican ballot label. We remain available to assist compliant candidates.
Contact: Linda Rantz, Chair, OCRC@OsageCountyRepublicans.com
