Missouri Republican Party and abortion election decision split, defining politics in 2024

Packed with high-stakes primaries and high-impact voting efforts, this election will shape Missouri politics and policy for years to come.

And while the election wasn’t all that monumental in Illinois, there were several contests that could have repercussions throughout the Metro East.

As is tradition, St. Louis Public Radio’s politics team has selected the top stories of 2024.

1. Missouri legalizes abortion

Voters eliminated decades of abortion restrictions and one of the nation’s strictest bans through a statewide ballot initiative (51.6% vs. 48.4%).

The bill was passed while President-elect Donald Trump was winning the state by a double-digit margin, so there’s no doubt that Republican voters ultimately made a difference in the outcome.

However, what happens next will be decided in court.

A Kansas City circuit judge is considering what to do about other abortion restrictions, while Republican lawmakers are considering whether to let Missourians vote again on restricting or banning abortion procedures. A more practical concern may be how accessible abortion will be in the state, especially if judges continue restrictions on clinics. Planned Parenthood was unable to resume abortion services even after a largely favorable preliminary injunction was issued.

2. Wesley Bell ousts Cori Bush.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell’s defeat of Rep. Cori Bush followed the most contentious and costliest Democratic primary of 2024.

Much of the campaign focused on President Bush’s harsh criticism of Israel. Groups supporting the country’s military action in Gaza spent millions of dollars to support Bell’s candidacy.

The contest, between leading politicians who rose to prominence after Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, was also about the future of St. Louis’ leadership. President Bush argued that a combination of elected service and activism would raise awareness about perennial and difficult issues. Bell argued that a region that appears to be riddled with problems needs representatives who emphasize cooperation and, at times, compromise.

Bush hasn’t closed the door on running again, so a rematch between Bell and Bush could happen.

3. Restrictions on Missouri constitutional amendment bill stall

Republicans, who control the House and Senate, have publicly said their top priority is to make it harder to amend the state constitution. But Republican infighting in the Senate and a record Democratic filibuster stalled that plan.

This was a surprising result, given that Missouri Republicans have enough members in both chambers to pass something without Democratic support.

But thanks to this year’s legislative failures, lawmakers are unlikely to embark on efforts to make it harder to amend the constitution.

4. Missouri Democrats fail to gain support

At the end of the 2024 legislative session, Missouri Democrats were in the unusual position of feeling confident about the next election. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Crystal Quaid told reporters during her final news conference as minority leader that her caucus will break the Republican supermajority thanks to backlash over abortion and other issues. He said it would be.

That confidence turned out to be misplaced.

Not only were Democrats soundly defeated in statewide races, they also failed to win any seats in the House or Senate. Even the long-awaited return of the Boone County-based Senate seat to Democrats was canceled when Republicans won Kansas City-area seats, including Independence.

5. Michael Madigan goes on trial

It seems like only yesterday that Michael Madigan seemed to be omnipresent in Illinois politics, wielding unprecedented power and influence.

But in 2021, Madigan’s control over the Illinois state chairman completely collapsed amid accusations that he used the office to enrich himself and his allies.

His public corruption trial began in October, and prosecutors adjourned the case in mid-December. The trial is scheduled to resume later this week.

6. Mr. Kehoe wins the governorship.

Governor-elect Mike Kehoe has raised the most money and received the most support of the three candidates to replace Governor Mike Parson.

But Mr. Kehoe didn’t have the near-universal name recognition of Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft or the out-of-the-box talent of state Sen. Bill Eigel.

Ultimately, Kehoe won the primary and, more importantly, the general election against Quaid.

The big storyline heading into 2025 is how Kehoe will navigate the treacherous waters of Missouri Republican politics, especially if the party’s right wing remains wary of him.

Honorable mention

St. Louis on the Air tells the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work, and create in the region. The show is produced by Mya Norfleet, Emily Woodberry, Danny Wiszentowski, Elaine Cha, and Alex Hoyer. Jada Jones is our production assistant. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.

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