Missouri Republicans have seven-way showdown to succeed Hartzler in U.S. House

In the crowded Republican primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler in Congress, seven candidates are fighting for the top spot.

The hotly contested primary includes former Fox 4 anchor Mark Alford, state Sen. Rick Brattin, cattle farmer Kalena Bruce, former Boone County Clerk Taylor Burks, former St. Louis Blues player Jim Campbell, retired police officer Bill Irwin and entrepreneur Kyle LaBrue.

The winner of the race is all but certain to cruise to victory in November. The 4th District, which stretches from the Kansas City metro to central Missouri, has been solidly Republican since Hartzler was first elected in 2010.

It’s also home to the state’s two largest military bases: Whiteman Air Force Base in Johnson County and the U.S. Army’s Fort Leonard Wood in the Ozarks. Candidates have made appeals to the military electorate by promoting strong national security and increased military funding.

Throughout the campaign, the candidates have also sought the district’s large farming base and other key Hartzler constituencies like anti-abortion advocates.

Burks, who ran Boone County’s elections in 2018, built his campaign on his military background and support of teachers. He led his six opponents in fundraising throughout the race.

Alford promoted social conservative rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 mandates and gun control at several public forums and debates in the lead up to the primary.

Bruce touted her strong farming background throughout her campaign. She received a historic endorsement from the Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farming advocacy organization, and backing from Republican Gov. Mike Parson.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, centered his campaign around his background as a strict social conservative in the Missouri legislature. He has the backing of the state’s most influential anti-abortion organization Missouri Right to Life.