Missouri Senate races face competitive contests in 2026

Several Missouri State Senate races are emerging as key battles for legislative control. In Senate District 30, Representative Melanie Stinnett and Representative Betsy Fogle are competing to replace Senator Lincoln Hough. Stinnett has focused on healthcare and disability services, supported by endorsements from the Missouri Nurses Association and various law enforcement groups, with over $1 million in combined campaign funds. Fogle, who previously flipped a Republican-held House seat, has emphasized healthcare, education, and affordability, reporting nearly $923,000 in combined funds.

In Senate District 34, Republicans have invested over $300,000 in television advertising to defend a traditionally GOP-leaning seat in northwest Missouri. The race to replace term-limited Senator Tony Luetkemeyer features Republican State Representative Mike Jones and Democrat Shereka Barnes. While the district has historically favored Republicans, recent polling suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment, though analysts note the small sample sizes of such surveys make firm conclusions difficult.