Missouri GOP governor candidate dies

Tom Schweich, the Missouri state auditor and a top GOP candidate for the governor’s mansion in 2016, has died.

Schweich, 54, was rushed to the hospital on Thursday for a “medical situation.” The auditor’s spokesman, Spence Jackson, confirmed his death to the Kansas City Star in an email a few hours later.

{mosads}“It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of Missouri State Auditor Tom Schweich today,” Jackson told the Star. “Please keep in mind his wife, Kathy, and two children.” 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said a “police source” told the paper that Schweich died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound suffered before a scheduled interview with the Post-Dispatch and Associated Press reporters. The report does not specify whether it was an accident or a suicide.

Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, a former Missouri state auditor, choked up after learning the news of Schweich’s death.

“I’m terribly sad. I hurt for his family. He was a really good man and a dedicated public servant,” McCaskill told The Hill. “He served his country in various capacities throughout his career. He was really smart.”

Gov. Jay Nixon (D) ordered flags at Missouri state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Schweich.

“I join all Missourians in mourning the passing of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a brilliant, devoted and accomplished public servant who dedicated his career to making Missouri and the world a better place,” Gov. Nixon said in a statement.

“From his courageous work to combat the illegal drug trade abroad in Afghanistan to his tireless efforts to protect the interests of taxpayers here in Missouri, Tom Schweich’s exceptional intellect and unwavering dedication to public service left a legacy that will endure for many years to come.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) praised Schweich as “smart, very capable, outstanding at his job, and a good friend,” in a statement.

Schweich is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Emilie and Thomas Jr. The couple had been married for 28 years, according to his campaign’s website.

He announced his intent to run for Missouri governor at the end of January. Schweich’s main opponent was expected to be former state House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, who is also a Republican.