Missouri House passes bill to require legal names on ballot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. � A Missouri lawmaker facing a campaign challenge by a professional wrestler is sponsoring a bill to require candidates to use their legal last names or maiden names when running for office.

The House voted 125-26 Monday to send the measure to the Senate.

Republican Rep. Nick Schroer said he proposed the bill after fellow O�Fallon resident Curtis �Wylde� Wells challenged him in 2016. The Democrat ran using his stage name, Curtis Wylde. He�s running against Schroer again in November.

The wrestler said he had to prove to the Missouri Ethics Commission he�s known by Wylde in order to be listed on the ballot by that name.

Schroer said requiring legal names would help voters find candidates� court records, but Democratic Rep. Deb Lavender criticized Schroer for targeting his opponent.