Missouri Democrats break GOP supermajorities after statewide election gains

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri voters ended Republican supermajorities in the Missouri House and Senate on Tuesday night after Democrats picked up several seats across the state.

In Jefferson City, Democrat Suzanne Luther defeated her Republican opponent, Shane Kampeter, by fewer than 200 votes. The Cole County Clerk’s Office reports Luther received around 51% of the vote.

A Democrat has not held that seat since 1992, when Chris Graham served four terms.

Democrat Keri Ingle also defeated Republican House Speaker Jon Patterson in eastern Jackson County for the Senate District 8 seat. A Democrat has not held that seat in at least 20 years.

In Springfield, Democrat Betsy Fogle flipped Senate District 30, defeating Republican Melanie Stinnett with 57% of the vote. A Democrat has not held that seat for more than 80 years.

Dustin Bax, chair of the Cole County Democratic Central Committee, attributes some of those wins to candidates building relationships with voters through direct, face-to-face outreach.

He said Luther and Fogle began talking with voters and working in their communities before Democrats knew a larger shift in voter support could happen.

“The No. 1 thing I tell people is you have to actually get out and talk to people. Like running an ad is great, but it's never going to be as effective as showing up at their door and talking to them,” Bax said. 

Bax said Democrats also gained as many as 17 seats in the Missouri House and two seats in the Senate.

That means Republicans no longer have a “supermajority” they've held in the legislature since around 2010. Bax said Republicans will now need Democratic support to override a governor's veto and will have to work with Democrats on some procedural motions.

State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat representing District 46, said he believes voters were looking for a change in direction.

He pointed to concerns about the economy, including grocery and gas prices, as issues that resonated with voters this election cycle. 

“The economy – food prices are through the roof. Gas prices are too high. And all we have to do is talk about that. And that's something that everyone can relate to,” Smith said. 

Looking ahead to the 2027 legislative session, Bax said Democrats will have more opportunities to bring issues to the forefront through legislation and committee hearings.

He also cautioned Democrats against assuming Tuesday's results will carry over into the 2028 election cycle, saying the party will need to continue organizing and reaching out to voters.