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Missouri Primary Election: Key Contests and Issues on the Ballot

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A contentious battle between Democratic candidates vying for a state Senate seat is capturing attention in an otherwise low-key primary election in Missouri. The Senate contest in the 4th District, which covers the western half of St. Louis, is being closely watched around the state, with the winner likely to become a prominent voice in Jefferson City. The election also features a ballot measure to increase the business license tax, which would raise money for more police officers and prosecutors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination in the 4th District state Senate seat, including State Rep. Yaphett S. El-Amin, former state representative Derio Gambaro, State Rep. Amber Boykins, college instructor Jeff Smith, and Kenny Jones.
  • The winner of the Democratic primary will likely clinch the seat, as there is no Republican candidate in the race.
  • Other aspiring politicians are seeking to replace the seats being vacated by some of the Senate candidates, including Talibdin El-Amin, who is running to replace his wife's seat in the House, and Shaun Simms, who is seeking to take the seat vacated by Amber Boykins.
  • The increase in the business license tax, which failed on the April ballot, is part of Mayor Francis Slay's push to raise money for public safety.
  • The measure, if passed, would raise money for enlarging the violent offenders program, hiring more prosecutors, enlisting additional police officers, and setting up an anti-truancy program.
  • The Republican primary in St. Louis County features a contest between Colleen Wasinger and Dennis Hancock for the district that includes Kirkwood, Fenton, and Town and Country.
  • Statewide, the featured contest is the Republican primary for state auditor, with two candidates from the St. Louis area, state Rep. Jack Jackson and state Sen. John Loudon, facing off against three others from other parts of the state.

Statistics:

  • Approximately one in four registered voters in Missouri is expected to cast a ballot in the primary election, according to the Missouri secretary of state's estimate.
  • The primary election will feature a total of 15 contests, including the Senate, House, and county-level races, as well as several ballot measures.
  • Turnout is not expected to be high, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the state.

Sources:

  • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, Jake Wagman, "A contentious battle between Democrats competing for a state Senate seat highlights an otherwise low-key primary election on Tuesday."
  • STLtoday.com, "Missouri primary election: What you need to know"
  • Missouri secretary of state, "Estimated voter turnout for primary election"

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