Here’s who is running for U.S. House, Senate to represent Missouri, and what they stand for

Missouri voters will have the chance to cast a ballot on Nov. 8, or earlier — anyone can vote in-person absentee for this election starting on Oct. 25. Voters will decide on five ballot questions and numerous races from the federal down to the county level of government.

Below are links to candidates’ responses to The Star’s survey from those running for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

And here is a link to all of the Missouri races on the ballot for voters around Kansas City.

If you’re not sure, you can look up your voter information to see which district you live in, and where your polling site is.

How the voter guide works:

Click on the race you are curious about, and you’ll go to a page with candidates’ responses. There, you can use the jump menu to get to a specific race or district.

Any candidates that do not have answers below their names did not respond to the survey. Our team at The Star contacted campaigns multiple times via both email and phone calls over the past month.

If you are a candidate and would like to get in touch with us and submit responses still, you can email us at kcq@kcstar.com. Voters will continue using this tool all the way through election day.

A note on editing and fact-checking

Some survey responses were very lightly edited for grammar, but the substance of the responses were not edited at all and are the candidates’ own words. The Star did not fact-check all of the candidates’ responses.

If you are concerned about misinformation or would like to learn more about some of the issues referenced in candidates’ responses, we wanted to include this past story about how to spot misinformation: How to tell if a politician is lying? A scholar who studies what they say has some advice.

U.S. Senator

Republican Sen. Roy Blunt is retiring, and four candidate are running to replace him.

Eric Schmitt, Republican

After numerous emails, phone calls and text messages over a span of more than two weeks, Eric Schmitt did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: schmittforsenate.com

Trudy Busch Valentine, Democrat

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

As a nurse and mother, I know having an abortion is a personal decision that should be made between a doctor and a woman. There is simply no room in the doctor’s office for politicians. Missouri’s extreme abortion ban has no exceptions for rape and incest. That kind of government mandate is simply un-American. In the Senate, I will vote to codify the right to a safe and legal abortion into federal law and will work tirelessly to protect birth control and other reproductive health care. Everyone deserves quality, compassionate health care without shame, stigma, or oppressive government mandates.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

Rising costs continue to be a serious issue for Missourians. That’s why one of my first policies was an affordability plan to lower the cost of living for Missourians. My plan includes cutting taxes for middle class families, raising the federal minimum wage to $15/hour, investing in affordable child care, administering a federal emergency gas rebate program, increasing funding for affordable housing, limiting the cost of insulin to $35/month, investing in in-home and community-based services for seniors under Medicaid, and more.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

Climate change is a threat to our economy and way of life. Here in Missouri, we see the impact of climate change in extreme weather patterns that hurt our farmers’ ability to grow crops. In the Senate, I will support funding to invest in clean energy manufacturing to create good jobs here and expand clean energy production. I will also work to finance clean energy projects which often struggle to access credit.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Yes, I believe the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president. In fact, the Trump administration said that the 2020 election was the safest and most secure in our nation’s history. I wholeheartedly condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection and particularly the violence we saw towards law enforcement. We must do everything we can to protect our democracy. In the Senate, I will support the bipartisan effort to update the Electoral Count Act.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

I believe that protecting our farmland from foreign ownership is an issue that crosses partisan divides. Missouri is a proud farming state, and agriculture powers much of our economy. But right now, independent, family-owned farms are facing unprecedented threats. In 2013 my opponent and the Missouri state legislature voted to allow foreign-owned companies to buy up Missouri farmland. This has led to too many Missouri farmers being pushed out of business and increased food prices for all Missourians. In the Senate, I will proudly stand with Missouri farmers and oppose the foreign ownership of our farmland.

Campaign website: Trudybuschvalentine.com

Jonathan Dine, Libertarian

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Jonathan Dine did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/votedine

Paul Venable, Constitution

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Paul Venable did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: youwinmissouri.org

U.S. Representative District 4

Republican Rep. Vicky Hartzler ran for senate and left this position vacant. Republican Mark Alford is running against Democrat Jack Truman and Libertarian Randy Langkraehr.

Mark Alford, Republican

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

This is an important topic. The founders set up our republic in a way that each state would govern itself. Unfortunately, we are allowing a big federal government to rule our states. I believe it should be up to the states to regulate matters, and voters should elect men and women that reflect their values and opinions.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

Congress should work on reducing taxes and regulations. Those costs impact all of us. Increases in government spending have caused red hot inflation that has increased prices on everything. We need to get people back to work and stop government mandates that are costing all of us.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

States should determine their own paths as it relates to energy independence. Renewables do not necessarily work in every part of the U.S. Our federal government is picking winners and losers in the energy sector; this type of cronyism is driving up costs on working families.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Both parties have denied election results over the years. I don’t support violence in any way. I want to be accessible to voters and be a loud, effective voice for rural Missouri. Looking forward, it would be wise for us to not change election procedures for some sort of “emergency” as those changes can cause even more distrust in government. This is not a topic folks in the district ask me about.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

Democrats and the mainstream media have been successful in pushing a narrative on the Dobbs decision that has folks scared. Many Democrat politicians are okay with abortions with no limits, including those for babies that are at full-term. The sanctity of life is too important to try to score political points — and my support for the unborn is unwavering.

Campaign website: www.alfordforcongress.com

Jack Truman, Democrat

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

I support a woman’s right to choose. Period.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

There is a lot we can do by working together to address the cost of living in Missouri. Times are hard. We’re going to have to work together to address this and come up with solutions.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

There is a lot to do to start working on this. The biggest contributor to global warming is methane gas. To help address climate change, we need to embrace a plant-based culture. Congress can work together to address this.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

I do condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection. Everyone has one vote. I believe that the popular vote should determine the president instead of the electoral college. Congress needs to work together to change this.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

My top priority is protecting our children. They are our future. Online education and childhood obesity needs to be addressed. Our children’s health and education needs to come before anything. This crosses partisan lines. We need to work together to protect our children’s future.

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/trumanforcongress

Randy Langkraehr, Libertarian

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Randy Langkraehr did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: no website

U.S. Representative District 5

Democrat Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II is running for reelection against Republican Jacob Turk and Libertarian Robin Dominick.

Jacob Turk, Republican

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

All life is precious. The U.S. Supreme Court placed the issue where it should rightfully be with the states. In Congress, I will be opposing any attempt to spend tax dollars on any type of abortion service. The Democrat position of allowing abortions no matter if there is a heartbeat or brain activity, in fact, any time up to and including birth is out of step with the beliefs of the vast majority of Americans.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

Congress should not be authorizing the record spending bills, causing the historically largest printing of the U.S. dollar by the Federal Reserve in our nation’s history. This has driven record-high inflation. The record rising cost of food, shelter and utilities is causing financial pain for our American families. I will work to stop the irresponsible spending of our tax dollars. Using American energy is also vital to keep all our cost of living under control as the cost of energy ripples throughout our economy.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

Good environmental stewardship is important to me. Unfortunately, this issue is an example of where the “science” has become politicized to steer the spending of trillions in private and public capital, it is no longer trusted as evidence-based and data-driven. The earth’s climate is everchanging and even the U.N. stated its changes will have almost no effect. To fuel the invention of technologies that work, America needs to use the abundant energy we have. Helping India and China to cleaner energy technologies will have a greater impact than hurting the American people with high gas and energy prices.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Joe Biden is president. We learned from the 2020 election we do not have a suitable process for reviewing the accuracy of election outcomes. In-person voting and hand counted paper ballots are reasonable steps to restore confidence in the outcome of our elections. I condemn all violent riots. Jan. 6 was a riot. Defund the police was the Democrats declaring war on law enforcement officers across America — making them targets for violence as crimes rage out of control. Full evidence needs to come out about Jan. 6 to stop Democrats from using our lives as political theater.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

The time for a historic change of leadership in the 5th District with victory over 18-year incumbent Emanuel Cleaver is now. Joe Biden is the worst president in our lifetimes. Cleaver is a rubber stamp for soaring inflation, irresponsible government spending, an open border where fentanyl and human trafficking flows through, war, gasoline through the roof, getting between parents and their kids, lockdowns and mandates. The list of failure goes on. The pain of the American people caused by these polices must be ended. I ask for and would be privileged to receive your vote in this election.

Campaign website: jacobturkforcongress.com

Emanuel Cleaver II, Democrat

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling is very troubling and extremely disappointing. Taking away a right that has been established for decades is simply wrong. Women’s health decisions are their decisions and should not be intruded upon or constrained by governments. I have supported and will continue support women making their own health decisions.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

Job creation and economic growth are critical to help Missourians address the increased expenses they are experiencing at the pump and the grocery store. The bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, both measures which I voted for and actively supported, will help our economy as those infrastructure projects and program investments are started and completed.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

Throughout my career in public service, I have actively worked to balance the needs of job creation, economic growth and the impacts on our climate. I was honored to serve on the House of Representatives’ Select Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. Through our work on the committee we were able to advance a number of critical initiatives to improve our climate and mitigate the contributors impacting climate change. Specifically, in the 5th Congressional District of Missouri I created the “Green Impact Zone” and am in the process of creating the “Sustainable Corridor.”

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Yes our president is Joe Biden as the 2020 election results concluded. And yes, I condemn in the strongest terms the insurrection on Jan. 6. I was there on Jan. 6 and witnessed firsthand an attempt to stop the peaceful transition of power which our republic was founded upon and our democracy has thrived upon over our country’s existence. On three other occasions (the elections of 2008, 2012 and 2016) I have voted to accept the results of the Electoral College votes regardless of which party won the election without any issues. Jan. 6 was a direct attempt to overthrow our democracy.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

When I was elected to Congress I committed to civility. I have consistently worked across the aisle with Republicans, as well as across the rotunda to develop policies and legislative solutions which benefit our community, state and nation. The most comprehensive update of our national housing laws was an effort of mine that was a co-authored, bipartisan piece of legislation which was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. Legislation and polices which benefit our citizens are ones based upon compromise and developed with consensus in mind.

Campaign website: www.cleaverforcongress.com

Robin Dominick, Libertarian

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Robin Dominick did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: www.robindominick.com

U.S. Representative District 6

Republican Rep. Sam Graves is running for reelection against Democrat Henry Martin and Libertarian Andy Maidment.

Sam Graves, Republican

After numerous attempts to contact via email and phone over a span of more than two weeks, Sam Graves did not respond to The Star’s request to complete the candidate survey.

Campaign website: gravesforcongress.com

Henry Martin, Democrat

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

Congress should codify the Roe decision to protect a woman’s right to make the choice that she sees as best for her and her family.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

Congress needs to enact a raise to the federal minimum wage and establish a minimum wage commission to study and raise the minimum wage independent of Congress. Providing child care for workers based on a sliding scale will help with many of the out-of-pocket costs for working families.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

Congress should support research and development of alternative energy sources and begin the transition of all federal buildings to solar, where possible, to set the example along with passage of policy that will in some way require the installation of solar on new construction as action on climate change is a matter of national security.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Yes and yes! My opponent is unfit to serve as he is in violation of his oath with his vote to not certify the election. Every Republican who cast a vote that day to not accept the electoral vote is in violation of that oath but unfortunately, many people will vote for them because they are Republicans and ignore their actions following the assault on our Capitol.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

I think the issue of gun control is often misunderstood as none of our rights enshrined in the Constitution are absolute, and it has been my experience that people generally want safe ownership of firearms and if we can all sit down and discuss what that looks like, we can arrive at a working compromise. I want voters to know that I believe in the Second Amendment and that the best way to preserve and keep us safe is to come together and discuss all of the issues with firearms.

Campaign website: www.henrymartinforcongress.com

Edward A (Andy) Maidment, Libertarian

What role do you think Congress should play in creating or enforcing policies that affect people’s access to abortion or reproductive health care?

Congress has no role in abortion policy. No level of government should have a say in the private decisions made between individuals and their doctors. This is the same reason the government should never have the power to tell you to get a vaccine, to not undergo a procedure until government approves it, or that you cannot use a medicine until government approves it. We have now seen that the power to ban a procedure implies the power to enforce a procedure. The Supreme Court erred in rolling back our privacy protections.

What should Congress be doing to address the cost of living in Missouri? This could include addressing inflation, wages, the cost of housing and utilities or something else.

The best thing Congress can do to address the cost of living is stop addressing the cost of living. When Congress creates policy or spends large amounts of borrowed money it creates inefficiency in the market. This drives prices and the effect of those prices ripple through the rest of the economy. When Congress, run at various times by both Democrats and Republicans, triples the debt in just over 10 years to a level that is larger than the entire economy then those ripples become tsunamis.

What should Congress be doing to address climate change?

Congress should do nothing to address climate change except to let the market create solutions. Congress will generally pick whatever solution lobbyists can convince them to support, make that solution law, and we will be forced to utilize that solution regardless whether it helps or a better solution comes along. Significant pushback against “green” solutions are individuals feeling that they are being pushed into it when they cannot afford the solutions or the solutions are not ready (especially electric cars). Gasoline overtook coal and horses in 20 years when it was allowed to happen, electric cars could also but governments across the country keep trying to force it before it is ready.

Do you believe that the 2020 presidential election was fairly decided and that Joe Biden is the legitimate president, and do you condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection?

I believe there was fraud in the election, by both Republicans and Democrats, but based on the investigations which occurred it was not enough to change the outcome. I believe the Supreme Court of the state of Pennsylvania acted improperly by changing the election law but that President Biden would have won the state anyway. I believe the incident on Jan. 6 was a riot, not an insurrection, and that it was both horrible and laughable. I can also remember when the same Democrats who are calling this an insurrection praised Capitol riots as protecting Democracy about 10 years ago.

Do you have a position on a specific issue that crosses partisan lines, or that you think is often misunderstood? What is it, and what do you wish voters better understood about your stance?

There is nearly always a moderate or libertarian position that is not the two dominant positions presented in media. The war in Ukraine is a good example. A person can be against the Russian invasion and still not want to gift billions of dollars in military equipment, and there can be many reasons. The dominant positions are that we either support Ukraine or we’re supporting Russia. Someone may be a pacifist. Someone may simply not want to risk expanding the war. A person may think such gifts are acceptable but is irresponsible when the debt is so large. Or they may agree with me that such gifts are never acceptable but that selling weapons to Ukraine, and not Russia, is perfectly fine.

Campaign website: www.maidmentformissouri.com

This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 7:00 AM.