Trending Now - Missouri GOP Leader Sam Graves Steps Down, Sparking Election Turmoil
WHO:
Sam Graves, Republican Representative from Missouri, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
Jessica Gracey, political science professor at Northwest Missouri State University
Mark Alford, Republican Representative from Cass County, Missouri
Emanuel Cleaver, Democratic Congressman from Kansas City
Chris Stigall, northwest Missouri native and radio host
Nathan Willett, Kansas City Councilman
Mazzie Christensen, state Representative from Missouri
Jim Ingram, Kansas City resident
WHAT:
Graves stated, “After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress.”
Graves has served as the top Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since 2019, first as ranking member and then as chairman in 2023.
Graves oversaw the passage of the 2021 infrastructure law, the 2024 Water Resources Development Act, and the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.
Graves' aviation safety package, known as the ALERT Act, was sent to the full House for consideration.
Graves received a “legislative effectiveness score” seven times higher than the average House member, according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia in 2025.
Sam Graves announced he will not seek reelection for Missouri’s 6th Congressional District.
Graves has represented the district since 2001 and was seeking a 14th term.
58 House members are stepping down or running for other offices, indicating potential record turnover in Congress.
Graves stated, “It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians.”
Graves cited the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and legislation managing inland waterways and ports as major accomplishments.
Republican contenders for Graves' seat include Chris Stigall, Nathan Willett, and Mazzie Christensen.
Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine have filed to run as Democrats for the seat.
WHERE:
Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses most of northern Missouri.
Kansas City, Missouri.
WHEN:
The deadline for candidates to file for the midterm elections in Missouri is on March 31st, 2026.
Graves made his announcement on March 25th, 2026.
The filing deadline for candidates in Missouri is on March 28th, 2026.
Graves has been in politics for 34 years, first elected to the Missouri House in 1992.
WHY:
Graves mentioned, “I have one more good career left in me, and it's time to pivot to that.”
Graves stated he is “making room for the next generation” and believes it is time for new leadership.
Graves mentioned he has “one more good career left in me” and intends to pursue something different.
Graves noted that he received a waiver to chair the Transportation Committee, which he would not receive again.
HOW:
Graves announced his decision via a social media post.
Graves indicated he would evaluate candidates for endorsement after they file for the primary.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 17:04 UTC)
At a recent announcement, Graves revealed that 2026 will be his final year in Congress after serving as the top Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw significant legislation, including the 2021 infrastructure law and the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, and he received a legislative effectiveness score seven times higher than the average House member. As the deadline for candidates to file for the midterm elections in Missouri approaches on March 31, Graves expressed his desire to pivot to a new career, stating, “I have one more good career left in me, and it's time to pivot to that.”
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 13:19 UTC)
On March 25, Sam Graves announced he will not seek reelection for Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, a seat he has held since 2001, as he believes it's time to pass the torch to a new generation of conservative leaders. Graves, who has been in politics for 34 years, highlighted his accomplishments, including the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, and mentioned he intends to pursue a different career path. With the filing deadline for candidates set for March 28, Republican contenders like Chris Stigall, Nathan Willett, and Mazzie Christensen are already gearing up to run, alongside Democratic hopefuls Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine.