On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, local elections were held across the state which resulted in major wins for Progressive and Democratic-leaning candidates, including 83 percent of the school board candidates endorsed by the Missouri chapter of the National Education Association. The widespread rejection of right-wing candidates issued a strong rebuke of the radical, anti- Freedom platforms that have become a hallmark of Missouri conservatives.

“Missouri voters are exhausted by the relentless attacks on our freedoms and Democratic institutions driven by manufactured outrage and extremist politicians. Missourians want their kids to have access to a well-funded public education and their roads and bridges to be safe and free of potholes. Unfortunately, today’s Republican Party has been focused on stripping more rights away from our fellow Missourians and increasing the power of their politicians. 

From controlling what books our children can read and rolling back child labor protections to how we can plan for a family, these power-hungry politicians are set on implementing their agenda that is divisive, dysfunctional, and dangerous to our very Democracy and fails to address the needs of Missouri families. Missourians value our democracy and freedoms and want them strengthened, not attacked. Missouri voters want our elected officials to show up to work for them,” said Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan. 

Background:

CNN: Emails Show How A Right-Wing Group Steers Gop Leaders On Major Policy Issues 

KCTV: Missouri Senators Debate Bill To Remove, Ban Restrictions On Child Labor

Springfield News-Leader: Parents, Education Groups Raise Concerns About Missouri Education Bill

KSDK: House Gop Advances $50 Billion Missouri Budget, Rejecting Dozens Of Democrat Amendments

Jefferson City News Tribune:  Four New Members Win Jefferson City Council Seats

Springfield Daily Citizen: Three Women Win Seats to Springfield Board of Education

St. Joseph News-Press Now: Williams, Chesney, Moore Prevail For School Board

St. Joseph News-Press Now: Library Tax Levy Reset Passes With Ease

MNEA: Students Win as Educator-Endorsed Candidates Triumph Across Missouri