Jay Ashcroft | |
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| 40th Secretary of State of Missouri | |
| In office January 9, 2017 – January 13, 2025 | |
| Governor | Eric Greitens Mike Parson |
| Preceded by | Jason Kander |
| Succeeded by | Denny Hoskins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Robert Ashcroft July 12, 1973 Jefferson City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Relatives | John Ashcroft (father) |
| Education | Missouri University of Science and Technology (BS, MS) Saint Louis University (JD) |
John Robert "Jay" Ashcroft (born July 12, 1973) is an American attorney and politician who served as the 40th Secretary of State of Missouri from 2017 to 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he is the son of former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.
As Missouri Secretary of State, Ashcroft pushed for stricter voter identification laws, fought against ballot initiatives, supported an investigation into former Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, and restricted library services for minors.
Ashcroft was a candidate in the 2024 Missouri gubernatorial election, but came in third place in the primary against State Senator Bill Eigel and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe.