March 31 was the last day to file for the August primary election.  A few days before the deadline, Congressman Sam Graves withdrew from his re-election bid.  This led to several candidates switching races.  The 6th district race now includes 5 Republicans, 3 democrats, and a libertarian. 

The Missouri legislature redrew the congressional district map and this led to incumbent Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's district 5 becoming a toss up instead of a likely democrat win. Six Republican candidates are now competing for the opportunity to challenge Cleaver in November. 

The Missouri senate has 34 seats.  17 come up for re-election every 2 years. Of this year's 17 races, most will be decided in the primary because the district's demographics lean heavily towards a majority of Republicans or Democrats.

Three Republican incumbent state senators are running unopposed in the August primary: Nick Schroer, of O'Fallon, Rusty Black of Chillicothe and Ben Brown of Washington. Democrat incumbent Senator Tracy McCreery is also unopposed in the primary.

In North East Missouri, Senator Cindy O’laughlin is term limited. Her district 18 seat is solid Republican.  The Republican primary includes Rep Ed Lewis of Moberly. Lewis is a former teacher. vs Rep. Greg Sharpe of Ewing. Sharpe is a farmer and businessman vs Dusty Blue of Mexico Missouri. Blue is a veteran and small business owner.

In Missouri Senate district 8, Republican Senator Mike Cierpiot is term limited. Running for his open senate seat are the current speaker of the house, Rep Jon Patterson vs Rep Dan Stacy. Patterson, a physician, lives in Lees Summit.  Stacy, a pastor, lives in Blue Springs.

In Missouri Senate district 10, Senator Travis Fitzwater has taken a job as the Executive Director of the Missouri Technology Corporation. Running for his open senate seat are Rep. Tricia Byrnes vs Mike Deering.   Byrnes, who has a background in internet marketing lives in Wentzville.  Deering, the Vice President of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association lives in Montgomery City. 

In Missouri Senate district 6, Senator Mike Bernskoetter is term-limited. Running for his open seat are 6 republicans and 1 democrat. This will be one of the most interesting primary races. The district covers part of Jefferson City and much of the lake area with 2 very different demographics. Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton joined the race at the end of the filing period.  Skelton lives in Osage Beach.  He joins the race with Jake Vogel, a former army ranger and son of former senator Carl Vogel along with State Rep Rudy Veit, former Jefferson City Councilman Derrick Spicer, Amber Buckles and Dr Lisa Thomas.

In Missouri Senate district 4, Senator Karla May is term-limited. Running for her open seat are 2 democrats and -0- Republicans.  Rep. Steve Butz vs former Rep Gina Mitten. Both have already raised a lot of money for this primary race.  Butz, who lives in St. Louis city, is a pro-business Democrat with an independent streak.  He promotes fiscal responsibility and transparency.  Mitten, who also lives in St Louis City, is an attorney and served on the Richmond Heights city council before being elected state rep.

State Rep Mazzie Christensen announced she was not seeking re-election.  She and husband Cole are expecting a baby in October.  Freddie Griffin of Hamilton filed for her district 2 house seat.  Griffin is unopposed in the primary but will face Libertarian candidate Shelby Dreier in November.

All 163 Missouri house seats are up for election in 2026. 

The Missouri primary election is Tuesday August 4, 2026.