JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — With the unofficial votes tallied and the results in, most are finding a victory or two to celebrate even if the entire slate wasn’t in their favor.
Several organizations that waded into the political conservation this election cycle are focusing on specific wins. Missouri Right to Life and the Missouri Farm Bureau are highlighting Josh Hawley defeating incumbent-Claire McCaskill for U.S. Senate while EMILY’s List is focusing on specific district wins and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the victory of 85 of their picks being elected.
“Congratulations to Missouri’s newest U.S. Senator, Josh Hawley. We look forward to working with Josh in his new role as our junior senator to advocate for agriculture and the rural way of life at the national level. Campaigns are always tough, but Josh has shown that he is a man of integrity and will work tirelessly to represent Missourians in the Senate. We are thrilled about the results of this election and are ready to get to work,” said Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst.
The Farm Bureau supported Hawley’s candidacy to the spot, even running ads advocating for his election to the U.S. Senate.
Missouri Right to Life celebrated the victory of a pro-life candidate to represent the Show-Me State in the U.S. Senate.
“Pro-life Missourians delivered a win over well-funded abortion forces Tuesday by electing Attorney General Josh Hawley to the United States Senate. Hawley defeated entrenched incumbent Claire McCaskill in a decisive referendum on her voting record against the unborn, conservative judicial appointments and pro-life policies,” said Steve Rupp, President of Missouri Right to Life. “Senator-elect Josh Hawley is publicly committed to preserving the values of life and liberty in an increasingly hostile culture. With his experience defending pro-life legislation and our religious freedoms, Hawley is perfectly suited to continue his life-affirming efforts in Washington, D.C.”
Missouri Right to Life and National Right to Life Federal Political Action Committees supported Hawley’s candidacy with early endorsements.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, EMILY’s List celebrated the victory of
pro-choice Democratic women leaders in Missouri. The nation’s largest resource for women in politics, congratulated five EMILY’s List candidates on their well-deserved victories for the Missouri General Assembly.
“EMILY’s List is proud to congratulate these strong pro-choice Democratic women leaders on their victories in Missouri. With so much on the line in Missouri, particularly for hardworking families, this election was critical. But this much is clear: voters are ready for women to lead. With these women in office, Missourians will have allies they can count on to fight for a more effective and transparent state government that works for all,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List.
EMILY’s List congratulated the following candidates on their victories: Sen. Jill Schupp in SD 24, Keri Ingle in HD 35, LaDonna Appelbaum in HD 71, Raychel Proudie in HD 73, and Rep. Crystal Quade in HD 132.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry political action committee endorsed 87 “pro-business” candidates in the state this election cycle, with all but two running successful campaigns.
“Missourians overwhelmingly voted to elect candidates who will support legislation that will drive economic growth and create jobs,” said Missouri Chamber President and CEO Daniel P. Mehan. “Voters proved that they care about job creation. They showed they believe that candidates that will protect jobs and Missouri workers are the right people to lead policymaking in our state.”
“Our political action is an important part of our legislative strategy. We must keep economy-minded policymakers at work in Jefferson City – candidates who are willing to make the tough decisions that protect working Missourians.”
When it comes to ballot measures though, not everyone found the success they were looking for. A motor-fuel tax increase was stamped down by voters while a minimum wage hike and ethics overhaul was given the nod.
The Farm Bureau supported Proposition D, the fuel tax increase to fund roads and bridges, while opposing Amendment 1 and Proposition B. The Missouri Chamber opposed the minimum wage hike.
The campaign supporting Proposition D, SaferMo.com, called the outcome “disappointing.”
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
