Missouri Voters Pick Successor to Sam Graves

Democrat Josh Smead, Republican Chris Stigall and Libertarian Andy Maidment compete for Missouri's 6th District U.S. House seat.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified domed government building against a broad horizon, rendered in deep navy and cream with a muted red accent. — Voters in Missouri's 6th District are choosing between Democrat Josh Smead, Republican Chris Stigall, and Libertarian Andy Maidment to succeed retiring Rep. Sam Graves. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Voters in Missouri's 6th District are choosing between Democrat Josh Smead, Republican Chris Stigall and Libertarian Andy Maidment for the U.S. House seat. The race follows Sam Graves's announcement that he is retiring from Congress.

Why it matters

Sam Graves said it was time to make room for the next generation in Missouri's 6th District, leaving the seat open after more than 20 years in Congress. The outcome will determine who represents the district's voters in the House.

Three candidates appear on the general election ballot: Democrat Josh Smead, Republican Chris Stigall and Libertarian Andy Maidment. Sam Graves, who served more than 20 years in Congress, is not seeking reelection, and no vote tallies are reported yet.

The players

Sam Graves

Sam Graves is a Missouri Republican who represented the state's 6th District in Congress for more than 20 years before announcing his retirement.

Josh Smead

Josh Smead is the Democratic candidate for Missouri's 6th District, an architect and small business owner from Liberty.

Chris Stigall

Chris Stigall is the Republican candidate for Missouri's 6th District, a conservative talk radio host who previously worked for Sam Graves.

Andy Maidment

Andy Maidment is the Libertarian candidate for Missouri's 6th District, a retired Army officer and IT professional.

The details

Smead is an architect and small business owner living in Liberty, Missouri, whose campaign lists families, freedom and future as priorities. Stigall, from Richmond, hosts a conservative talk radio show and previously served as a field representative and deputy communications director for Graves. Maidment is a retired Army officer and IT professional.

Earlier in 2026: Sam Graves announces his retirement from Congress.
November 3, 2026: Election results for Missouri's 6th District are published.

Political Context

Open House seats after long-serving members retire typically draw candidates with ties to the outgoing incumbent's office. Stigall's prior work for Graves fits that pattern in Missouri's 6th District.

Missouri's 6th District voters will decide who holds the seat in the U.S. House, which sets federal policy for the district. The result determines the district's representation after Graves's departure.

The takeaway

Open congressional seats give voters a direct choice about who will carry a district's priorities into Washington. Following candidate backgrounds and platforms before election day helps voters weigh their options.