Josh Hawley in Sedalia

Senator Josh Hawley is campaigning for re-election in Missouri, where he faces Democrat Lucas Kunce, who he criticized for progressive policies including open borders and gender inclusion in sports. At a rally, Hawley challenged Kunce to a Lincoln-Douglas style debate, emphasizing his opponent's controversial stances while portraying himself as a defender of conservative values. Despite being unopposed in his primary, Hawley’s position is solid, largely due to his alignment with former President Trump and a strong GOP base in the state, making it difficult for Democrats to compete. Analysts note that Hawley's rapid rise in the GOP is attributed to his media presence and populist approach. The general election outcome is viewed as highly favorable for Hawley, with predictions of a significant win over Kunce. Meanwhile, Hawley’s political history is marked by his controversial actions during the January 6 Capitol events, which have drawn national attention.