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'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.

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.