Chris Stigall, a conservative radio host and clear favorite in Missouri's 6th Congressional District, has won the Republican primary, according to Decision Desk HQ projections. Stigall's victory sets him up for a November showdown in a district that is widely expected to remain in GOP hands.
Stigall defeated a crowded field that included Kansas City Council member Nathan Willett, U.S. Army veteran Jim Ingram, financial adviser Cody Oshel, and businessman Nathanael Schultz. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the district as safely Republican, making Stigall the heavy favorite to succeed retiring Rep. Sam Graves.
Graves' endorsement and retirement
Graves, who has represented the district for more than 25 years, announced in May that he would not seek reelection. He easily won his 14th term in 2024 despite primary challengers, but faced the prospect of being termed out as chairman of the House Small Business Committee. His decision to retire opened the door for a competitive primary to replace him.
Stigall was widely seen as the front-runner, thanks in part to Graves' endorsement. The outgoing congressman's backing gave Stigall a significant boost in a race where name recognition and establishment support were crucial.
Stigall's platform and priorities
Stigall, a staunch defender of former President Trump, has said he would carry Trump's agenda to Congress. In an interview with St. Louis Public Radio, he framed his candidacy as a call to public service, noting that the country's 250th anniversary inspired him to step out of his private-sector career of 25 years.
“And so it just seemed like the appropriate time in this 250th year of the country, where average folks founded the country, they came out of their private-sector lives and stepped up for a time – that's the way I feel about it,” Stigall told the outlet in June. “It's stepping out of the comfort of my private sector job of 25 years and representing north Missouri.”
Stigall has said his first legislative priority would be to secure a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, a key assignment for a rural district. He also indicated he would keep Graves available as a consultant, according to The Missouri Independent.
Primary clashes and accusations
The primary was not without friction. Willett accused Stigall of being “hand-picked” by Graves, noting that Stigall launched his campaign immediately after Graves announced his retirement. Stigall fired back, accusing Willett of switching races after previously running for state Senate.
“I'm the only candidate here running for Congress and only Congress,” Stigall said, according to The Missouri Independent. “I was not running for another office only to then switch and run for this office later. I always wanted to run for only this office.”
The race was one of several notable primaries in Missouri on Tuesday. In the state's 1st District, incumbent Cori Bush faced a rematch with Wesley Bell, while other contests unfolded across the state. For more on those races, see our Missouri House primary coverage.
Stigall's victory adds to a night of primary results tracked by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill. For a broader look at the evening's outcomes, check our live primary night updates.
With the primary behind him, Stigall now turns his attention to the general election, where he will face a Democratic opponent in a district that has not elected a Democrat to Congress in decades. His campaign is expected to focus on agricultural issues, conservative values, and continuing the legacy of Graves' service.
