Missouri elections 2024

Not only did Democratic candidates get blown out in statewide contests for governor and the U.S. Senate, the party failed to gain any ground in the Missouri General Assembly. The election showed that the party continues to falter in rural and exurban areas.

Missouri voters passed Proposition A with 57% approval. Unless the state Supreme Court grants a legal challenge, the first minimum wage increase kicks in Jan. 1.

After voters approved Amendment 3 in November, Planned Parenthood attorneys want to overturn a number of Missouri laws that regulate abortion services and providers. A court decision on the lawsuit could come soon.

Some reproductive rights activists say that Amendment 3, which Missouri voters passed in November, didn't go far enough in expanding abortion access to help the most vulnerable populations. One sticking point was the amendment's language setting limits at "fetal viability," which does not have a true medical definition.

Missourians have backed ballot items supported by Democrats in the past decade — including abortion rights, expanded Medicaid, legalized marijuana and labor rights — while also giving Republicans unfettered control over state government.

Amendment 2, which was narrowly approved by Missouri voters this election, states that the Missouri Gaming Commission must make sports betting available by Dec. 1, 2025.

Missouri became the first state to overturn a near-total abortion ban through a voter referendum in last week's election. Planned Parenthood Great Plains president Emily Wales says they're ready to resume abortion services by early December, although prolonged legal battles could push that date back.

Para enero del 2026, la Propuesta A aumentaría el salario mínimo de Missouri a $15 dólares por hora y requiere que los empleadores privados proporcionen el pago de ausencia por enfermedad o incapacidad. Esta es la tercera vez que los votantes de Missouri aumentan el salario mínimo desde el 2006.

With Donald Trump headed back to the White House, and Republicans cementing power in Missouri, transgender residents in Kansas City fear losing access to hormone treatments and living under an administration that campaigned on making them pariahs.

At a rally on Thursday, Amendment 3 supporters said they expect legal challenges from Missouri legislators who oppose abortion. Planned Parenthood has already sued to overturn the state's abortion ban and other restrictions.

Republican Mike Kehoe, who won the race for Missouri governor this week, acknowledged that some residents were uncomfortable with the state’s near-total abortion ban. He said that lawmakers are still discussing how they'll respond to the passage of Amendment 3.

It’s become a familiar pattern in Missouri — progressive ballot measures like abortion rights, Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization find success in a state where Republicans have dominated for more than a decade.