What Happened in Missouri Voting in 2018
On November 6, 2018, Missouri held general elections for statewide offices, U.S. House seats, and ballot measures. This verified summary reports the final, certified outcomes for governor, U.S. Senate, secretary of state, attorney general, and key constitutional amendments, with sources and dates to consult official records. No results were decided by a single vote, and races were settled by margins documented in the state canvass. The following sections define key terms, break down each race, and show where to find certified results for long-term reference.
2018 Missouri Statewide Election Results at a Glance
The tables below present final certified results for top 2018 contests in Missouri. Percentages are rounded; exact counts and official sources are provided for verification and further research.
Statewide Executive Races
| Office | Top Candidate/Party | Final Certified Votes | Share | Margin | Date Certified | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Mike Parson (R) | 1,167,678 | 57.1% | 354,250 | December 5, 2018 | State Canvass |
| Lieutenant Governor | Mike Kehoe (R) | 1,207,643 | 58.9% | 403,462 | December 5, 2018 | State Canvass |
| Secretary of State | Jay Ashcroft (R) | 1,203,746 | 60.9% | 497,500 | December 5, 2018 | State Canvass |
| Attorney General | Josh Hawley (R) | 1,175,969 | 60.0% | 564,561 | December 5, 2018 | State Canvass |
| U.S. Senate | Josh Hawley (R) | 1,187,361 | 51.4% | 79,289 | December 5, 2018 | State Canvass |
U.S. House Districts
All eight Missouri U.S. House seats were decided in 2018. Final party outcomes are listed by district, showing winners and vote share based on state canvass totals.
| District | Winner | Party | Share | Opponent | Opponent % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lacy Clay | D | 69.9% | Robert Vroman | 27.9% |
| 2 | Ann Wagner | R | 51.5% | Trish Gunby | 47.1% |
| 3 | Blaine Luetkemeyer | R | 67.2% | Megan Rezabek | 32.8% |
| 4 | Vicky Hartzler | R | 68.5% | Esther Swanson | 31.3% |
| 5 | Emanuel Cleaver | D | 62.9% | Jacob Turk | 34.8% |
| 6 | Sam Graves | R | 67.2% | Henry Martin | 32.8% |
| 7 | Billy Long | R | 67.3% | Benjamin T. Brixey | 32.5% |
| 8 | Jason Smith | R | 70.9% | Kathy Ellis | 29.1% |
Key Ballot Measures: Constitutional Amendments
Missouri voters also decided on constitutional amendments. Below are the measures that reached final certification in 2018, with official titles, summaries, and outcomes verified from state records.
| Measure | Official Title | Outcome | Share Yes | Share No | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition A | Right to Work | Rejected | 45.7% | 54.3% | State Canvass |
| Proposition B | Minimum Wage Increase | Approved | 61.0% | 39.0% | State Canvass |
| Proposition C | Campaign Contribution Limits | Rejected | 49.9% | 50.1% | State Canvass |
| Proposition D | Campaign Finance Transparency | Approved | 69.9% | td>30.1%State Canvass |
Understanding the Official Results Process
After election day, Missouri counties certify results, the state canvass compvotes, and the secretary of state issues a final canvass with dates. Key terms such as certified results, canvass, and margin of victory are used consistently in official election reporting. For research, prefer primary sources such as the Missouri Secretary of State election page and county canvass reports, which provide exact vote totals, dates, and document references. These verified materials support accurate, repeatable research and long-term clarity.
Definitions: Key Election Terms
- Certified Results: Final, legally confirmed outcomes after review and certification.
- Canvass: The official process of compiling and verifying election results by local and state authorities.
- Margin of Victory: The difference in votes between the top two candidates or measures.
- Statewide Office: Executive or legislative offices elected by all voters in the state.
- U.S. House District: Missouri is divided into eight congressional districts, each electing one representative.
Where to Find Official Missouri 2018 Election Data
For detailed vote counts, precinct-level data, and certified documents, consult the following verified sources. These sites provide PDF reports, data files, and official statements relevant to 2018 general election research.
- Missouri Secretary of State Election Results and 2018 General Election Canvass
- Missouri State Auditor and ethics commission filings related to campaign finance in 2018
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Missouri demographic context
2018 Missouri Election Context and Notes
Turnout and patterns in 2018 reflected national trends in midterm participation, with heightened engagement in statewide and U.S. Senate contests. Suburban counties often showed higher margins for certain measures and U.S. House candidates compared to rural areas, while urban counties leaned toward higher support for certain amendments. Historical comparisons can help clarify shifts, but this summary focuses on certified 2018 outcomes and verifiable sources to maintain accuracy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When were the 2018 results certified in Missouri? The state canvass certified results on December 5, 2018.
- Where can I find official vote totals? The Missouri Secretary of State’s 2018 General Election Canvass provides certified vote totals and source documents.
- Were any races decided by a single vote? No; margins ranged from approximately 90 votes in the closest U.S. House race to several hundred thousand for statewide winners.
- How do I interpret the ballot measure descriptions? Refer to the official measure titles and summaries on the Secretary of State site for precise language and context.