Missouri Midterms: St. Louis 2nd District Race and Abortion Amendment Draw National Focus

Key points

• U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner faced Democrat Fred Wellman in the 2nd Congressional District, a race described as her most competitive in recent years and drawing national attention from polling monitors.
• Amendment 3 sought to ban abortion in Missouri, while Amendment 6 aimed to make it harder for the legislature to overturn voter-approved statutes and constitutional amendments.
• St. Louis voters decided on two citywide propositions, a new recorder of deeds, and two Board of Education members amid school closure considerations.
• St. Louis County residents elected a new county executive for the first time in seven years after Sam Page declined to seek reelection, along with two council members and other offices.
• Polls were open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, with results updating live from NPR and the Missouri Secretary of State.

Background

This election follows earlier local developments in Missouri, including a fatal shooting on Interstate 170 in October and measles exposure alerts at Busch Stadium in September. The 2026 midterms also occur amid national debates over election security, highlighted by ballot theft incidents in California in October.

How outlets are covering it

STLPR and KCUR both emphasized the national significance of the Wagner-Wellman race and the abortion and direct democracy amendments. KCUR noted that several publications predicted the 2nd District would be more competitive than in past cycles. The Columbia Missourian provided a live results page but did not offer additional narrative analysis in the provided text. All sources agreed on the timing and key ballot measures but differed in depth of local coverage, with STLPR detailing county-specific races in St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.

Why it matters

The outcome of the 2nd District race could shift the balance of power in the U.S. House, while the passage or rejection of Amendment 3 and Amendment 6 would directly impact reproductive rights and the durability of voter-approved laws in Missouri. Local results in St. Louis and surrounding counties will shape regional governance and school district policies for the next term.

What to watch

Final certified results will be released by the Missouri Secretary of State in the coming days. If Amendment 3 passes, it will codify an abortion ban in the state constitution. If Amendment 6 passes, it will raise the threshold for lawmakers to repeal voter-approved measures. Local officials elected in St. Louis and St. Louis County will take office in January 2027.