Billy Long embraces election conspiracies, early support of Trump in new U.S. Senate ad

Springfield's congressman is out with a new TV ad, putting his support for former President Donald Trump and promotion of election conspiracy theories front and center.

In the new spot released this week, U.S. Rep. Billy Long goes after President Joe Biden and Democrats on Capitol Hill while touting his early support for Trump in the 2016 presidential primary.

He's running to "stop the insanity" and "wokeness," he says in the ad, and implies his support for Trump if he decides to make another presidential run in 2024.

"I need your help," Long says. "And then we'll help Donald Trump make America great again, again."

Long also promotes conspiracy theories about the 2020 election in the ad, claiming "the Democrats rigged the election" and saying if he was elected, he would "stop the Democrats from stealing another election."

There is no evidence that widespread voter fraud or other manipulation was committed in the 2020 election, in Missouri or elsewhere. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, alongside numerous other state and national elections officials, have said it was the most secure in U.S. history.

A news release from Long's campaign promoting the ad echoes his claims.

"The election of 2020 was the greatest theft of an election in America (sic) history," his campaign said. "As senator, Long promises to block the Democrats' extremist efforts to change voting laws to their benefit and promises to prevent another stolen election."

Long is running in a crowded Republican field against former Gov. Eric Greitens, Attorney General Eric Schmitt, U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, St. Louis attorney Mark McCloskey and Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz. He, along with other members of the field, have been jockeying for Trump's endorsement, which could significantly sway the results of the primary. Long has visited the former president at Mar-a-Lago twice in recent months, and in a recent Springfield appearance criticized his primary opponents.

Galen Bacharier covers Missouri politics & government for the News-Leader. Contact him at gbacharier@news-leader.com, (573) 219-7440 or on Twitter @galenbacharier.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Billy Long's U.S. Senate ad promotes election myths, supports Trump