JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With the last of the votes being counted late Tuesday night, the Missouri House of Representatives is seeing a larger, historic supermajority with 117 seats after picking up 7 seats in the House against Democrats. The 97th General Assembly saw a supermajority of 110 Republicans in the House and 25 Republicans in the Senate, the largest since the 1920s. Senate Republicans maintain their supermajority, losing one seat in St. Louis County while gaining another in Jefferson County with the election of Rep. Paul Wieland to the 22nd District.
“The groundwork for this very successful night was laid over a year ago with our recruitment efforts to attract the best candidates,” said Speaker-elect John Diehl (R-Town and Country). “Our candidates then ran very effective races based on the principles of economics and educational opportunities, fiscally responsible government and creating an environment in this state, which is conducive to the growth of small business. We look forward to what we will be able to accomplish over the next two years.”
The general election saw many upsets, including the overthrow of Reps. T.J. McKenna (D-Jefferson County), John Mayfield (D-Jackson County), John Wright (D-Boone County), Michael Frame (D-Jefferson County), and Vicki Englund (D-St. Louis County). The seats formerly held by Reps. Steve Hodges (D-Butler County) and Ed Schieffer (D-Lincoln County) are now Republican as well.
“Tonight is evidence that quality candidate recruitment matters and that Republicans listened to Missourians when they asked for lower taxes, a balanced budget, and for someone to be a check on President Obama’s out-of-control administration and ridiculous policies,” said House Republican Campaign Committee Executive Director Scott Dieckhaus.
Some of the closer districts may trigger automatic recounts. The evening was riddled with inconsistencies in reporting between the local election authorities and the secretary of state.
“Missouri has spoken loud and clear that they support our efforts at limiting government’s reach and empowering our citizens,” said Asst. Majority Floor Leader Mike Cierpiot (R-Jackson County).
Kelsey Wingo contributed to this story.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
