Missouri AG Eric Schmitt wins state GOP Senate primary over former governor

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt was declared the projected winner Tuesday night in the state's GOP Senate primary.

The Associated Press called the race for Schmitt when he had 45% of the vote with 46% of the votes counted.

Schmitt defeated Rep. Vicky Hartzler, who finished in second with 23% of the vote when the race was called. Former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens had 19% of the vote. 

Former President Donald Trump endorsed “ERIC” on Monday, deliberately remaining nebulous in the endorsement to signal that he would be comfortable with a victory for either Greitens or Schmitt, both of whom he considered acceptable MAGA candidates, according to three senior aides to Trump. 

Greitens and Schmitt each claimed the Trump endorsement.

Greitens was leading the race until about mid June when allegations by his ex-wife about physical abuse dropped him in the polls.