Missouri House

Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson faces former state Rep. Dan Stacy in the Republican primary for the State Senate's 8th District. Patterson, with $2.9 million in campaign funds, is challenged by Stacy, who has raised $43,000 largely from individual donors, highlighting a 67-to-1 funding gap. The race tests whether a well-funded establishment candidate can be defeated by a conservative challenger.

A Missouri bill authorizing gas station slot machines, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hardwick, faces Senate resistance but could gain traction depending on GOP primary outcomes in three key districts. The 8th, 16th, and 20th districts feature candidates with opposing views on gambling expansion, with some receiving significant donations from gambling interests.

A Missouri bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson aims to replace the state's current anti-SLAPP law with the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to broaden protections against lawsuits targeting public speech. The bill passed the Missouri Senate and House and awaits Governor Mike Kehoe's approval to take effect in August 2024.

Gov. Mike Kehoe must decide by Friday which of five constitutional amendments will appear on Missouri's August 4 primary ballot, a choice that could influence their passage and election turnout. Seven amendments are slated for 2026, with five eligible for August and others potentially appearing in November. The decision involves proposals on abortion restrictions, tax changes, and electoral reforms, with political consultants divided on optimal timing for voter impact.