Republican Roy Blunt has beaten Jason Kander, a Democrat, in the race for the Missouri Senate seat currently held by Blunt.
Blunt's slow-starting campaign is one reason this Senate race in a state that trends red at the federal level is surprisingly competitive.
Republicans kept control of Senate majority, fending off what was thought to be a strong takeover bid by Democrats.
So far, 33 Senate races have been decided, with Republicans winning 21 and Democrats winning 12. Going into Tuesday, Republicans held a majority in the Senate, with 54 seats vs. 44 for the Democrats. Two Independents in the Senate both caucus with the Democrats.
Blunt jointed the U.S. House in 1996 and rose quickly through GOP ranks. Blunt became acting majority leader in 2005, after Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) stepped down because of a corruption indictment. He was unexpectedly beaten months later in a secret-ballot election for top party leader by Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio). Blunt won a Senate seat in 2010 and has maintained his leadership ambitions there: He now serves as vice chairman of the Republican conference and chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
Kander, 35, is the Missouri secretary of state and a former Army intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan. He came out early against the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, drawing a distinction with Blunt on foreign trade.
Missouri voted for Republican businessman Donald Trump in Tuesday’s presidential election.
Read More:
- Senate: Where the races stand
- These 12 Senate races will decide which party controls the majority next year
- Eric Greitens elected as Missouri governor
From staff and wire reports, powered by Heliograf, The Post's artificial intelligence system.
