Statewide Bench: Republicans (October 2026)

As Missouri Republicans look to maintain their grip on state government and shape the party’s future, a mix of established power players and rising political figures are positioning themselves for what comes next. From rising stars to established leaders and potential candidates for higher office, these are the Republicans who could help define the party’s direction and emerge as major players in Missouri politics.

#1 Andrew Bailey 

Cash on Hand: Limited Activity
Liberty and Justice PAC
Cash on Hand: $555,559.05
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $555,559.05

Leading off this tipsheet yet again is Andrew Bailey, the Hermann war hero who has returned to Missouri after helping lead the FBI’s efforts to crack down on major criminal activity, particularly in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Bailey has already proven himself a formidable electoral force, securing the largest primary victory of the 2024 cycle despite being outspent nearly 4-to-1 by out-of-state money.
Now back in Missouri, Bailey is quickly reestablishing himself as a force in the state’s political landscape. He has taken a leading role in the push for Amendment 3, helping raise $1 million for the effort and putting himself at the center of one of the state’s biggest political fights. For anyone considering a future run against Bailey, writing him off would be a mistake. His public safety record, resume, and experience serving at the president’s request give him a political profile few potential opponents can easily match. Whether his next chapter involves another campaign or continued involvement in major policy fights, Bailey remains a name with significant weight in Missouri politics.

#2 State Senator Jason Bean 

Cash on Hand: $308,051.02
Conservative Leadership for Southeast Missouri
Cash on Hand: $460,518.80
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $768,569.82

Next on the list is Senator Jason Bean, who has become an influential figure in the upper chamber since arriving in the Senate six years ago. Bean has played a major role in advancing legislation important to Missouri’s agricultural sector and has built a reputation as an effective negotiator within the chamber. He is also one of the governor’s key allies and is currently competing to become the next Senate President Pro Tem, a position that would put him at the center of the Senate’s agenda next session.
Once the leadership race is settled, attention will likely turn to what comes next for Bean. While legislative leadership does not necessarily translate into statewide electoral success, as former Gov. Mike Parson’s path illustrates Bean’s relationships across the Capitol and ties to agriculture give him a foundation to explore a larger political role. Agriculture remains one of Missouri’s most important economic sectors, and Bean’s work on its behalf could be an important part of his political identity if he eventually sets his sights on statewide office.

#3 State Senator Nick Schroer

Cash on Hand: $146,033.79
1776 PAC
Cash on Hand: $497,976.59
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $644,976.59

Senator Nick Schroer has emerged as a leading voice for the Senate’s Freedom Caucus conservatives, settling into the upper chamber following the departures of Bill Eigel and Denny Hoskins. Schroer has carved out a role pushing conservative priorities, particularly on law-and-order issues, and has become a recognizable figure in the Senate’s right flank. He could also solidify his position if his ambitions for the spot as the Senate Floor Leader shakes out in the upcoming leadership elections.
Looking ahead, Schroer is among the names that could surface in a future race for Missouri attorney general. His focus on public safety and tough-on-crime legislation could provide a natural foundation for a statewide campaign if he decides to pursue one. For now, he continues to build his profile in the Senate, with his legislative record and ability to turn conservative priorities into policy likely to shape what comes next.

#4 State Senator David Gregory

Cash on Hand: $66,025.26
Show Me Growth PAC
Cash on Hand: $112,074.49
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $178,099.75

Senator David Gregory has built a reputation as a legislator who can turn priorities into results. Coming from the House, Gregory has shown an ability to move significant legislation, including the intoxicating hemp bill that had stalled in previous sessions. He also won a competitive race against Joe Pereles in a challenging district and has emerged as a prominent voice for the St. Louis business community, carrying on a role once held by Eric Schmitt.
Gregory’s youth, legislative record, and relationships have fueled speculation that he could one day pursue the attorney general’s office. His recent fundraiser for Catherine Hanaway suggests he remains active in building relationships across the party, though he still has two years left in his first Senate term. The immediate challenge will be holding his seat in 2028, when suburban politics could again put Republicans under pressure. Gregory has already shown he can win a tough race and if he proves it again in 2028, he will have quite the runway ahead of his career. 

#5 State Senator Kurtis Gregory

Cash on Hand: $228,098.99
The Wonderdog PAC
Cash on Hand: $292,271.02
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $520,370.01

If Jason Bean is rural Missouri’s leading voice in the legislature, Senator Kurtis Gregory is not far behind. Gregory has emerged as a prominent advocate for farmers and agricultural interests, building a reputation as a well-liked member of the chamber who can develop relationships and move rural priorities forward. With a strong personal background and deep ties to agriculture, he has the profile and runway to build a significant career in Missouri politics.
Gregory’s ambitions could eventually extend beyond the Senate. He would have been a natural contender in the race for the 5th Congressional District had he chosen to run, and a future statewide campaign could also be in the cards. As he continues to build his legislative record and strengthen relationships across the state, Gregory is positioning himself as one of the rural voices to watch in the next generation of Missouri Republican leadership.

#6 Floor Leader Alex Riley

Cash on Hand: $375,786.56
Missouri Leadership PAC
Cash on Hand: $1,185,675.33
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $1,561,461.89

Alex Riley is set to take the gavel as the next Speaker of the House, but the job will come with a difficult set of challenges. Depending on how many seats Republicans lose in November, Riley could enter the session with a smaller caucus and lose some of the House’s most experienced dealmakers. Still, Riley has built a reputation as a tactical operator, and a tougher political environment could push him to find new ways to build consensus, advance carefully negotiated policy and move his own priorities through the chamber.
Riley’s speakership will also put him in the conversation as a potential candidate for higher office. By the end of his tenure, he could have a record of major legislative accomplishments, including on school choice, along with a substantial campaign war chest and a network of former colleagues across the state. His reputation as one of the House’s most organized floor leaders should serve him in the role. How he navigates the next session could help shape both the House’s direction and his own political future.

#7 State Senator Brad Hudson

Cash on Hand: $183,023.60
Brad PAC
Cash on Hand: $219,176.93
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $

Senator Brad Hudson is quickly emerging as a name to watch in the upper chamber. Hudson has adjusted well to the Senate after winning a competitive race against well-known State Rep. Travis Smith, and he has already carved out an influential role as a freshman. His work managing the dais and elevation to Appropriations Vice Chair have helped establish his standing early in his Senate career.
Hudson sits on the conservative side of the Republican caucus and is now challenging the more established Jason Bean for Senate President Pro Tem. The race will test how much support Hudson has built among his colleagues, but regardless of the outcome, his leadership bid signals ambitions that extend beyond his freshman term. With a new Senate taking shape, Hudson could also find himself more influential as the chamber’s makeup and internal dynamics shift. He is positioning himself as a figure to watch in the Senate’s next chapter.

#8 State Senator Tony Luetkemyer 

Cash on Hand: $2,200,577.81
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $2,200,577.81

Senator Tony Luetkemeyer is no stranger to this list. One of the Senate’s most effective dealmakers, Luetkemeyer presided over an efficient chamber as floor leader and built relationships that could serve him well in his next chapter. As he prepares to become Platte County prosecutor, he will have an opportunity to bring that experience to local government in one of Missouri’s most prominent counties.
Luetkemeyer also leaves the Senate with a sizable campaign war chest, giving him financial flexibility should he decide to pursue another office. A future statewide bid is far from a given, but his legislative leadership experience, political connections and fundraising capacity would give him a foundation to explore one. For now, Platte County is his next stop, but Luetkemeyer’s political future may extend well beyond the courthouse.

#9 State Rep. Brandon Phelps

Cash on Hand: $38,690.12
Missouri Dream PAC
Cash on Hand: $53,185.85
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $

Warrensburg seems to have a knack for producing Missouri political talent, and State Rep. Brandon Phelps is the latest name to watch. Still a relatively fresh face in politics and approaching his second term, Phelps has already begun building a profile that could take him beyond the House. He is the kind of politician who can walk into a room and quickly build relationships, a skill that could serve him well in a future House leadership race.
What sets Phelps apart is his ability to connect with both rural and suburban Missouri, a balance that can be difficult to strike in a state with such varied political interests. As he gains more experience in the legislature, Phelps is one to keep an eye on as a potential future leader of the House Republican caucus.

#10 Director of USDA Rural Development in Missouri Ben Baker

Cash on Hand: n/a
TOTAL CASH ON HAND: n/a

Former Rep. Ben Baker has long been a name to watch in Missouri Republican politics. During his time in the legislature, Baker built a reputation as an effective lawmaker who stayed aligned with the Republican base while developing strong fundraising capabilities and a growing network of national connections.
His appointment as President Donald Trump’s USDA director marks a new chapter in his political career. The role gives Baker a place in the administration while putting him in a position to build relationships with rural communities and agricultural interests across Missouri. Few roles offer the same opportunity to connect with stakeholders throughout the state, particularly in rural Missouri. If Baker eventually returns to electoral politics, he could do so with a broader network, stronger national ties and a higher profile than when he left the legislature.

Others: Speaker Jon Patterson and Rep. Melanie Stinnett would both be on this list but are running for state senate, Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman has announced she is not running for office in 2026, but would be back on this list if she chose to reenter politics and of course the next big thing in Missouri politics Jim Avery will make his debut. Other names also include House Speaker Pro Temp Chad Perkins, and Reps. Cameron Parker and Dane Diehl.