Major Republican donors contribute millions to Missouri’s Attorney General primary race

Missouri’s attorney general has taken legal action against Planned Parenthood and President Joe Biden, attempted to obtain records from clinics providing gender-affirming care, and pressured a liberal prosecutor to step down.

Despite these conservative actions, conservative groups from outside Missouri are investing heavily in the upcoming primary on August 6 to support Will Scharf, a member of former President Donald Trump’s legal team, against Andrew Bailey. The winner of the primary in this GOP-dominated state often has a significant advantage in the general election in November.

The situation highlights the increasing national influence of state attorneys general, who often use their positions as a stepping stone to higher political office. Both of Missouri’s senators previously served as AG.

State attorneys general, traditionally tasked with representing state governments, have become more partisan in recent years, with many engaging in legal battles with federal administrations of opposing parties. Numerous Republican AGs, for example, are challenging the Biden administration’s policies regarding transgender rights.

The political landscape surrounding state AGs has also evolved, with groups like the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) and Democratic Attorneys General Association playing significant roles in funding competitive races and running attack ads.

RAGA, backed by influential donors like Leonard Leo and the Concord Fund, is supporting Scharf in the Missouri primary. Meanwhile, Bailey has garnered support from Liberty and Justice PAC, including a substantial donation from the Rayner family of Cargill, Inc.

Scharf, a candidate with ties to the Federalist Society and a background in conservative legal advocacy, has drawn criticism from Bailey, who portrays him as being controlled by outside funders. Bailey, a Missouri native with a long career in public service, has presented himself as a local candidate dedicated to the interests of the state.

The race for attorney general in Missouri has become a focal point for national conservative interests, reflecting the broader trend of increasingly partisan and high-stakes AG races across the country.