In a surprising move that is expected to further deepen the divisions within the Missouri Senate, Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden has announced the removal of four senators from their leadership positions. This decision comes amidst an already tumultuous year marked by dysfunction and acrimony within the Senate.

The four senators who were stripped of their leadership positions are part of a newly formed "Freedom Caucus" that has been engaged in conflicts with other Senate Republicans. Last Thursday, the caucus caused significant delays by holding up gubernatorial appointments in an attempt to advance changes to initiative petitions. The Senate returned to action on Tuesday, and prior to the session, Rowden called a news conference to make his announcement.

Flanked by rank-and-file Republicans, who are not part of the "Freedom Caucus," as well as Senate Majority Leader Cindy O'Laughlin, Rowden criticized the caucus, referring to them as "terrorists," a term O'Laughlin had used to describe them last week. Rowden expressed his frustration with the start of the Senate's 2024 session, describing it as an "embarrassment" and claiming that a "small group of swamp creatures" had taken control of the chamber.

During the news conference, Rowden accused the "Chaos Caucus" of using the Missouri Senate as a platform to salvage their struggling statewide campaigns, intentionally aiming to destroy the institution while claiming that the system is rigged against them. Senator Bill Eigel, who is running for governor, Senator Denny Hoskins, who is running for secretary of state, Senator Andrew Koenig, who is running for treasurer, and Senator Rick Brattin, who is seeking reelection to the Senate, were identified as the caucus members. It is worth noting that Rowden himself is running against Hoskins in the Republican primary for secretary of state.

Hoskins, in response to Rowden's actions, tied it directly to the ongoing campaign, stating, "It's unfortunate that our President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden has decided to use his office and try to beat me in the statewide race for secretary of state." Eigel expressed determination, stating, "We're willing to be bold about fighting for our issues. We're not going to give up the fight."

Following the Senate's convening on Tuesday, both Hoskins and Eigel used the Senate floor to denounce Rowden's decision. Hoskins criticized Rowden, declaring him the "worst president pro tem in the history of the Missouri Senate," while Eigel expressed his disbelief at how removing chairmen from their positions would lead to less tension.

Rowden defended his action, stating that he could not ignore the calls from those who believed that something needed to be done about the situation. He acknowledged that the actions taken might be controversial but emphasized that they were necessary.

Republicans standing alongside Rowden during the news conference included Senator Jason Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, in the Bootheel. Bean voiced his support, stating, "The time has come to not allow this disruptive behavior. I stand firmly with our caucus, the Republican caucus, to address this issue now so that we can have a productive session."

The removal of these senators from their leadership positions is expected to amplify the already existing divisions within the Missouri Senate. As the legislative session progresses, it remains to be seen how these conflicts will shape the future of Missouri politics.