Bush beats Basinger in 50th District Democratic race

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gregg Bush defeated Jeff Basinger on Tuesday to become the Democratic nominee for the 50th District seat in the Missouri House.

Bush won by fewer than 600 votes (1,736-1,152) and will take on Republican nominee Joshua Blakeman in the November election. Blakeman ran unopposed in the Republican primary. The district includes much of south Columbia and areas of Boone County that border the city on the south and east.

Bush began by expressing his gratitude to his family, his opponent Jeff Bastinger, and State Representative Doug Mann. He thanked Mann for believing in him and recognizing his potential.

Mann has endorsed Bush campaign because he said there is no better man than Bush for his spot.

"When I made the decision not to run for reelection due to mental health issues, Greg was one of the first people that I reached out to. And when I told him that I wasn't going to run, he was one of the most compassionate, caring and understanding people that I talked to about that issue that I was having," Mann said.

Bush also appreciated the support from Labor and Local 955, highlighting the effort of canvassing in the heat, and promised to stand with them in Jefferson City to improve workplace dignity and job access.

"Thank you Labor and the 955 for coming out with me on weekends in the heat. Our soundtrack was cicadas, our drink was gatorade with extra electrolytes and our summer fragrance always had SPF, just like you stood with me through this race, including all of my labor endorsements. I'm going to stand with you in Jeff City so we can find dignity in the workplace, expand access for good jobs in our area," Bush said.

He acknowledged his supporters, noting that 90% of them were first-time contributors, and thanked the first-time canvassers for their dedication. Bush emphasized the importance of their efforts in building a winning coalition.

"And thank you for the first-time canvassers that came out that, for whatever reason, you saw potential in me as well, that you came out and really did knock on doors for sometimes a complete stranger and say," I'm from the great Bush campaign, let me tell you about him. And you helped create this coalition and win this primary," Bush said.

He also gave a special thanks to his campaign manager, Ava Wischnewski, for her unwavering support and motivation, which played a crucial role in the campaign's success.

"Thank you, Ava, you were pushing me when I didn't think I could dial one more call or knock one more door. But it's because of you that this is happening right now as well," Bush said.

Bush's campaign is centered on expanding health care access, advocating for gun control, supporting education and promoting unions and small businesses.

"As the other member of this two-person team, I can tell you that Greg has personally been a tireless advocate in Columbia and will do the same in Jeff City," Ava Wischnewski, Bush's campaign manager, said.

According Wischnewski, the campaign did a lot of work to get voters.

"Greg has had over 120 individual donations are online donations, and over 90% of those are from first time donors. So reaching out to people who haven't been involved in politics and inviting them in and then we've been knocking doors. We have knocked the doors of about 6,000 people in this campaign, which is pretty crazy," Wischnewski said.

Bush said knocking on about 6,000 people's door was overwhelming but knew that was what needed to be done.

"I talked to one individual who said, 'I lived here for 12 years and never had a candidate show up to my door before.' This has been my full time job, along with being a husband and father," Bush said.

Bush hosted a watch party at the Grind Coffee House at John Garry Drive in Columbia.

He thanked his supporters on social media after securing the nomination.

"Thank you all for this amazing coalition we've built. From labor to nurses, women's groups and grassroot voters, I am so grateful and cannot wait to represent YOU in Jeff City!" he wrote.

Basinger, an attorney, small business owner and civil rights activist, aimed his campaign at enhancing access to health care, thanked his supporters in a social media post.

"Thanks to everyone for the support. I’m proud of our campaign. We raised important issues, did well at forums and got along wonderfully with voters. We just needed more voter contacts. I wish everyone the best," he wrote.