Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey won the Republican primary, securing over 60% of the votes against Will Scharf, who conceded after a contentious campaign. Bailey, who was appointed by Governor Mike Parson in 2022, will now face Democrat Elad Gross in the November election. The campaign showcased both candidates' strong support for former President Donald Trump while exchanging accusations of ineffectiveness and soft-on-crime policies. Bailey's tenure has been marked by controversial legal actions, including attempts to block federal student loan forgiveness and lawsuits against the Biden administration. Although he has received endorsements from prominent GOP figures, critics allege he prioritizes media appearances over effective governance. Bailey's campaign faced scrutiny over ethics, including accepting substantial donations from entities involved in lawsuits against the state.