Staff Reports
Former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill once stood as a formidable obstacle in a predominantly red state, but since her ousting by Josh Hawley in 2018, the dynamics have dramatically shifted. In the aftermath of Hawley’s victory, Missouri has morphed into a GOP fortress, leaving Democrats in the dust and struggling to even take a glance at the Senate seat that McCaskill once held. Hawley’s rise has rendered the future of the seat a mere formality, essentially sealing it off for the Democrats and causing election forecasters to raise their eyebrows and chuckle nervously.
Political operatives and analysts can privately lament McCaskill’s past skills, which allowed her to pull off victories that seemed improbable at the time. One such strategist in the GOP pointed out that her political prowess is a tale of yesteryear and a stark contrast to the current landscape, where Hawley has taken advantage of a significant Republican base. McCaskill’s era is over, and it appears her legacy is now more of a cautionary tale than a blueprint for success for Democratic candidates in Missouri.
Washington Examiner: Josh Hawley turns once-blue Missouri Senate seat into ruby-red refuge https://t.co/0nR2sr2pyI
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) August 7, 2024
With no primary challenge in sight, Hawley is set to face off against Democrat Lucas Kunce, who boasts a ‘who-was-that-again’ reputation following his unsuccessful run for the party’s nomination in 2022. The odds heavily favor Hawley, and it’s evident to all but the most fervent dreamers in the Democratic camp that the November general election will be a one-sided affair. The former two-term senator may have once rallied the troops, but it is now Hawley who leads the charge with a deft political strategy that has successfully locked down support among Missouri voters.
Hawley’s meteoric rise can be attributed to a cocktail of factors that include his well-embraced “Trumpism,” a knack for attention-grabbing media appearances, and a curious blend of populism that resonates with everyday folks in Missouri. Even his fellow Republican, Senator Eric Schmitt, couldn’t contain his approval for Hawley’s political footing, noting that the young senator has ignited a fire that mirrors his constituents’ sentiments. The stronghold is so secure that even the most optimistic Democratic strategists are likely working overtime to come up with alternative plans.
Historically, Hawley dispatched McCaskill with a sizable margin, and since then, he has been nothing short of a thorn in the side of establishment Republican leadership. He champions the concerns of working-class voters while simultaneously navigating issues that often complicate his relationships with party elites. Recent engagements in legislative disputes highlight his fierce independence, reminding the party establishment that he has no intention of being a mere foot soldier.
The media spotlight has become something of a second home for Hawley, who relishes the role as a leading figure in conservative discourse. From animated interrogations of Biden appointees to championing populist causes, he has quickly established himself as one of the Senate’s most approachable and media-savvy members. Hawley’s knack for turning ordinary moments into breakout media events allows him to connect directly with voters, giving them a senator who feels, at least somewhat, like one of their own.
As the political landscape in Missouri continues to tilt green and gold, the prospects for a Hawley victory in the upcoming election look all but certain. With his charisma, commitment to conservative values, and a focus on the issues that matter to everyday Missourians, the senator shows no signs of slowing down. The crown jewel of his success, however, may just be his dynamic partnership with his wife, Erin Morrow Hawley, an influential figure in her own right, who has been integral to the conservative success on critical issues such as abortion rights. Together, they are a potent force in Missouri politics, making it clear that the GOP has found its champion in Josh Hawley, solidifying his legacy as a key player in the ever-evolving political landscape.
