Jason Smith and Chris Reichard Win Missouri 8th District Primaries, Advance to November Election

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri voters have chosen their nominees for the state's 8th Congressional District, with incumbent Republican Congressman Jason Smith and Democrat Chris Reichard earning victories in Tuesday's primary election.

Republican Primary

Incumbent Congressman Jason Smith won his party's nomination in convincing fashion, defeating challenger Gordon Heslop.

Smith received 94,468 votes (86.0%), while Heslop finished with 15,367 votes (14.0%).

The wide margin reflects strong support for Smith among Republican voters as he seeks another term representing Missouri's 8th Congressional District.

Democratic Primary

The Democratic race was considerably more competitive.

Chris Reichard defeated Frank A. Barnitz, receiving 15,334 votes (54.1%) to Barnitz's 12,999 votes (45.9%).

Reichard secured the nomination by just over eight percentage points after a closely contested Democratic primary.

Looking Ahead

With Tuesday's primary results finalized, the November General Election matchup is now set.

Republican incumbent Jason Smith will face Democratic nominee Chris Reichard as voters decide who will represent Missouri's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next term.

The race will appear on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot.