Showing Up in the Show Me State

Huge Drop in Uncontested Missouri Statehouse Races

Another state filing deadline, another big step forward for democracy.

And it’s in a state that’s been through the anti-democracy ringer as much as any: Missouri.

In Missouri, in 2022, Democrats didn’t run in 40% of the 163 statehouse seats.

That’s right—40% uncontested.

But in 2024, 135 Democratic candidates have stepped up to run for those statehouse seats.

Which means the number of uncontested seats was cut by more than half—down to 17%.

A huge drop!

And this happened in a state—like Texas, like Arkansas, like Idaho, like North Carolina—on the front lines of the fierce right-wing attack on democracy. Which means, as much as any state, Missouri is incurring deep damage from the legislature’s downward spiral into extremism, whether in the form of an abortion ban, non-stop attacks on public education, or ongoing assaults on direct democracy.

But now, candidates in 135 districts are stepping up and declaring: “Enough! You don't get to keep pushing your toxic extremism without even being challenged in your next election.”

Which is incredible news! Bringing accountability to many who have not faced it in their entire time in power.

But now you know what WE have to do, right?

We have to help these candidates.

We have to show them that we greatly value their running, especially in tough places. Many in places where a Democrat hasn't run in years.

Each one of their decisions to step up is truly heroic. Truly patriotic. As North Carolina Democratic chair Anderson Clayton says, each candidate is a champion of democracy, whose public service began the day they filed. Their run for office in the coming months lifts turnout, inspires volunteers to get involved, and brings new messages to communities that may have heard only one-sided messages for years. It brings needed transparency to what the Missouri statehouse is actually doing, when what extremists prefer is no transparency at all.

So we hugely value what they’re doing, don’t we?

And like Ohio, where Blue Ohio exists to support candidates running in tough districts, Missouri has a Blue Missouri. It’s a community that comes together to help these candidates—with moral support, volunteer support and financial support.

And it’s led by the amazing Jess Piper, and Michele Hornish, who both live in Missouri.

If you want to help them help all these heroic candidates, check out Blue Missouri here, and consider joining HERE.

We have so much work to do to win the struggle for democracy our country is engaged in. It is truly a state-by-state battle. And it starts with running in far more places than we have in recent years, and supporting those who do. That begins the accountability.

That is the key step in the long-term path to success.

But as we saw last night in Alabama, where Democrat Marilyn Lands flipped a district by focusing on reproductive rights, these legislatures have become so extreme, running everywhere can also mean winning in places you don’t expect! So we need candidates running at all levels, all across America.

So, kudos to all those who stepped up in Missouri.

And kudos to all who find the time and resources to help them.

I’ve been excited for some time to be visiting Missouri in a few weeks for Democrat Days of the Ozarks. (April 5-6). If you’re anywhere nearby, come by.

Now we have 135 more reasons to celebrate!