Race Summary

Facing what would have been a competitive general election challenge from Attorney General Jay Nixon, Gov. Matt Blunt announced in January he would not seek re-election, citing the desire to spend more time with his family.

Blunt's exit sparked a close primary campaign between 9th District Rep. Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman, and Hulshof emerged victorious with a 4-point win in the August 5 primary. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder initially entered the race, but dropped out two weeks later, deciding instead to run for re-election.

Nixon has been gearing up for this race far longer than Hulshof and did not face a competitive primary. This gives Nixon an edge, though this promises to be a close contest.

Notable fact: The two most recent governor's race losers both went on to win election to the Senate. In 2006, the loser of the 2004 election for governor, Claire McCaskill, knocked off the incumbent Senator and loser of the 2000 election, Jim Talent.

Previous Election Results

Governor
2004: Blunt 51, McCaskill 48
2000: Holden 49, Talent 48

President
2004: Bush 53, Kerry 46
2000: Bush 50, Gore 47
1996: Clinton 48, Dole 41

Demographics