Missouri Democratic Party Receives National Recognition for Successful Candidate Recruitment Efforts

Chelsea Rodriguez

March 27, 2024

Missouri Democratic Party Receives National Recognition for Successful Candidate Recruitment Efforts

March 27, 2024

The Missouri Democratic Party congratulates the over 200 Democratic candidates across the state who stepped up to run for office in their communities and the incredible recruitment effort organized to support them. 


“We are unbelievably proud and excited to see so many strong Democratic candidates decide to run for office and serve their neighbors. Running for office is tough and often thankless, but these Missourians are determined to help leave their communities better than they found them. The dramatic increase in Democratic candidates this election cycle could not have been possible without the tireless organizing and recruitment efforts led by the leadership of the Missouri State House and Senate Democrats, who have committed to investing in building party infrastructure to support candidates across the state,” said Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan. 


“Ensuring there is a Democratic candidate on the ballot in districts across Missouri does not happen overnight and requires investing in a strong staff, like our incredible Field Director Alex Johnson, who fielded over 6,000 calls to potential candidates across the state to fill seats until candidate filing officially closed. MO House Democrats have made investing in this kind of infrastructure that operates year-round, not just close to an election, supporting candidates and helping them run professional campaigns, a core piece of our rebuilding strategy and we are thrilled to see it begin to pay off. Democrats are fired up and ready to break the Republican supermajority on our way to take back our state,” added House Democratic Leader Crystal Quade.


Background:

Missouri Democrats’ recruitment efforts earned national attention and recognition by DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison, who has included Missouri on his short- list to receive a candidate recruitment challenge grant.


By the Numbers:

  • 100% of Statewide and Congressional seats filled with candidates
  • 88% (15 of 17) of State Senate seats filled with candidates
  • 83% (135 of 163) of State House seats filled with candidates, an increase from 97 candidates in 2022.
  • Represents the best presidential year recruiting number since 2008 

 ### 


Media Contact: 

Chelsea Rodriguez, Communications Director

press@missouridems.org


By Chelsea Rodriguez July 30, 2025
Missouri Democrats Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare, Condemn GOP Threats to Healthcare
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 23, 2025
Missouri Republicans Skip Town to Avoid Vote on Releasing the Epstein Files
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 17, 2025
Statement From Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan On The Passing Of Congressman Clay Sr.
Group photo of over 100 attendees at Camp Carnahan, standing behind a banner on the steps of STLCC
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 16, 2025
The Missouri Democratic Party successfully relaunched Camp Carnahan, training over 100 Democrats from across the state in campaign strategy and grassroots organizing ahead of 2026.
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 11, 2025
Missouri Democrats Slam Kehoe for Repealing Voter-Approved Earned Sick Leave
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 3, 2025
Missouri Democratic Party Blasts GOP for Selling Out Missouri Families in Trump’s Budget Scam 
By Chelsea Rodriguez July 1, 2025
Senator Josh Hawley votes for GOP’s 2025 budget bill, slashing Medicaid and raising costs in Missouri. Carnahan calls it a betrayal of working families.
By Chelsea Rodriguez June 30, 2025
Missouri Democrats Slam Josh Hawley for Misleading Voters, Backing GOP Bill That Guts Medicaid
By Chelsea Rodriguez June 18, 2025
Missouri Democratic Party Announces the Return of Camp Carnahan Campaign Training Program in July 2025
By Chelsea Rodriguez May 14, 2025
Missouri Democrats Slam Republicans on Extreme Measures Taken To Overturn Will of Voters