#1 FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey 

Cash on Hand: n/a

Friends of Andrew Bailey

Cash on Hand: Limited Activity 

Liberty and Justice PAC

Cash on Hand: $556,846.82

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $556,846.82

Leading off this tipsheet is war hero from Hermann, Andrew Bailey. Bailey has proven to be 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.

During his tenure as Attorney General, Bailey focused heavily on public safety issues, including efforts targeting drug trafficking and crime, messages that continue to resonate strongly with Missouri voters. His move to the FBI comes as little surprise to those familiar with his commitment to public service, and it would not be unexpected to see that path eventually bring him back to Missouri politics. If it does, the relationships and connections he builds in Washington could further strengthen an already formidable political profile. Moreover he comes with all the Trump support as he was specifically asked by his Commander in Chief to serve in his administration. 

#2 State Senator Jason Bean 

Cash on Hand: $166,475.09

Conservative Leadership for Southeast Missouri

Cash on Hand: $289,573.84

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $456,048.93

Next on the list is Senator Jason Bean, who is widely viewed as the leading candidate to become the next Senate President. Bean has emerged as a key figure for rural Missouri and has played a major role during this year’s session, carrying significant agriculture legislation while also serving as one of the Governor’s strongest allies.

In addition to his legislative influence, Bean has continued to post strong fundraising numbers over the past several quarters. Beyond his management of the dais, he has also built strong relationships within the chamber, an asset that is likely to serve him well as he prepares to step into Senate leadership next session. Once his leadership election is over speculation will begin to ramp up about his statewide future. 

#3 State Senator David Gregory

Cash on Hand: $53,304.19

Show Me Growth PAC 

Cash on Hand: $98,826.01

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $152,130.20

Senator David Gregory has built a reputation as someone who delivers results once he sets his focus on an issue. He won a competitive race against Joe Pereles in a challenging district, played a key role in advancing major public safety legislation, and successfully pushed efforts to regulate intoxicating hemp products. He has also inherited Eric Schmitt’s role as the leading senator representing the St. Louis business community. 

Benefiting from both his youth and political skill, Gregory would likely be considered a strong contender for Attorney General should he decide to pursue the office in the future.

#4 Floor Leader Alex Riley

Cash on Hand: $402,720.46

Missouri Leadership PAC

Cash on Hand: $834,353.33

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $1,237,703.79

The next Speaker of the House is likely to generate significant discussion as a future candidate for higher office. By the end of his tenure, he is expected to have accumulated several major legislative victories, potentially including school choice, while also building a sizable war chest and a broad network of former colleagues across the state.

Riley has also earned a reputation as one of the most organized floor leaders in recent memory, a trait that should serve him well in the Speaker’s office. Observers should not overlook his political skill: he is poised to become the first Speaker of the term-limits era to ascend without having to fight through a contested leadership race, a notable accomplishment that underscores the type of political talent often associated with statewide ambitions.

#5 State Senator Kurtis Gregory

Cash on Hand: $199,502.86

The Wonderdog PAC

Cash on Hand: $236,103.52

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $435,606.38

Senator Kurtis Gregory has become one of rural Missouri’s most prominent advocates and appears poised to continue in that role for years to come. Viewed by many as a natural successor to Senator Bean’s mantle as a defender of rural Missouri, Gregory has built a reputation as a well-liked member of the chamber who is able to form lasting relationships with colleagues, an important trait when advancing agriculture policy and rural priorities. He would have been the instant front runner in CD5 if he would have chosen to make the race. 

Gregory has also shown a willingness to aggressively advocate for farmers and agricultural interests, not only within his district but across the state as a whole. Whether in Congress or a future statewide race, Kurtis Gregory is a name Missouri voters are likely to continue hearing for years to come.

#6 State Senator Brad Hudson

Cash on Hand: $167,619.36

Brad PAC

Cash on Hand: $109,913.69

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $277,533.05

Senator Hudson has adjusted well to the upper chamber after winning a competitive race against well-known State Rep. Travis Smith. As a freshman senator, Hudson has already carved out an influential role, with his management of the dais positioning him as a potential future President Pro Tem candidate. His elevation to Appropriations Vice Chair is another notable accomplishment early in his Senate career.

Ideologically, Hudson occupies a unique position within the chamber, which could allow him to play an increasingly influential role in a Senate that also includes figures like Jim Avery.

#7 House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins

Cash on Hand: $104,570.31

Pike Lincoln Values Fund

Cash on Hand: $108,037.37

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $212,607.68

When it comes to the most well-liked figures in Missouri politics, two names consistently come to mind. The first is Governor Mike Kehoe, and the second is House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins.

Perkins has developed a reputation not only as a widely respected and approachable figure, but also as a highly effective legislator who continues to play a key role in shaping negotiations and advancing deals within the House. He is also supported by a capable staff operation led by Dale Evans, which has remained effective even following the loss of Scott Bell.

#8 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 considered a figure to watch in Missouri Republican politics. During his time in the legislature, he built a reputation as an effective lawmaker who understood how to stay aligned with the Republican base while also developing strong fundraising capabilities and a growing national network of connections.

His appointment as President Donald Trump’s USDA director represents a significant step forward in his political trajectory. The position not only allows him to say he was selected to serve in a presidential administration, but it also places him in a role with direct relevance to rural communities across Missouri.

Few positions offer the level of relationship-building and statewide connectivity that comes with leading USDA operations in Missouri. If Baker chooses to return to electoral politics in the future, he would likely reenter the arena with a considerably expanded network and elevated political profile.

#9 State Representative Dane Diehl 

Cash on Hand: $45,824.27

Rural Roots PAC

Cash on Hand: $106,647.54

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $152,471.81

Is there anyone in Missouri politics who doesn’t like Dane Diehl? Diehl has built a reputation as both a strong fundraiser and the kind of legislator colleagues turn to when difficult legislation needs to get across the finish line. He has also emerged as one of the House’s go-to voices on agriculture issues, further strengthening his standing within the caucus.

Beyond his legislative work, Diehl has become known as “a big Diehl” politically, someone with broad goodwill across the chamber and growing influence within the party. If he were ever to pursue statewide office, it would not be surprising to see support from colleagues spread across Missouri. Diehl also is being noted as a potential pick for SD 31, should Senator Brattin win his congressional bid.

#10 State Representative Cameron Parker

Cash on Hand: $94,045.21

CP4Missouri PAC 

Cash on Hand: $5,438.66

TOTAL CASH ON HAND: $99,483.87

Cameron Parker is someone to keep an eye on moving forward. Talented, sharp-minded, personable, and hardworking, Parker possesses many of the traits that tend to translate well in Missouri politics. With a high ceiling and growing recognition among political circles, she is likely to become a name more people across the state will come to know in the years ahead. 

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 2024, but would be back on this list if she chose to reenter politics, State Senators Nick Schroer and Curtis Trent are both running for re-election, finally Senator Tony Luetkemeyer would easily be in the top three if he were not already running for Platte County Prosecutor, and of course the next big thing in Missouri politics Jim Avery will make his debut.