The announcement in March by Senator Roy Blunt that he would not seek another term in the U.S. Senate has created a high-stakes game of political musical chairs. It seems just about every sitting congressman/woman believes they have what it takes to be our next U.S. Senator. Only Ann Wagner and Blaine Luetkemeyer have ruled out a run.

At this writing, Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler and Congressman Billy Long have announced their intentions to run, along with Attorney General Eric Schmitt, former Governor Eric Greitens and Mark McCloskey of SAPA fame. And, according to the Ballotpedia website, four other potential no-name candidates may also file, making the 2022 Republican primary for U.S. Senate one of the most expansive fields in Missouri history.

The last time something like this happened was when Missouri Senator Stuart Symington decided not to seek reelection in 1976, and the Democrats flooded the primary ballot.

With the number of Congress members running for the U.S. Senate seat and this being a reapportionment year (where the state eight congressional districts are set to be re-drawn, as well as all 34 State Senate and 163 statehouse seats), we expect a lot of jockeying in 2022 and many new faces at all levels in 2023.

Like many of you, we look down the road and wonder at many “what if” scenarios. The good news is MIBA has been politically active and should be well positioned in 2023 at the statehouse and congressional level, whatever happens.