Missouri's 2026 Primary Election: Key Races, Candidates, and Ballot Measures
A congressman from the St. Louis area is facing a Democratic primary challenge from the former congresswoman he previously defeated. The primary, along with others for Missouri's U.S. House seats, is the first since a new congressional map was adopted to favor the Republican party. In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell is up against former Rep. Cori Bush, who was supported by the progressive group The Squad. Bell won the 2024 primary with outside spending from AIPAC, a pro-Israel organization, and faces a tough challenge from Bush in the upcoming primary.
In a heavily Democratic district, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver is running for a 12th term in a redrawn district that now includes more Republican areas. Cleaver is facing a different electoral landscape compared to his previous terms. The Republican field includes candidates like Taylor Burks, Rick Brattin, and Brett Hueffmeier, with Burks leading in fundraising.
Missouri voters will also decide on four statewide ballot measures, including one that would change the vote threshold for passing voter-initiated constitutional amendments. Another measure aims to eliminate the state income tax. The state's Senate and House seats are also up for election, with Republicans holding a majority in both chambers.
Key facts about the election include the closing time of polls at 7 p.m. CT, the number of registered voters in Missouri, and the early voting trends. The AP Decision Team will monitor the results and declare winners in contested primaries and ballot measures. The AP does not make projections and will only declare a winner when there is no scenario for a trailing candidate to catch up.
As the election day approaches, candidates and voters are gearing up for a crucial primary that will set the stage for the midterm elections in November. Stay tuned for updates on the election results and developments in Missouri's political landscape.