Republicans who already dominate the Missouri Legislature expanded their influence in state government on Tuesday, winning races for governor and other top offices after Donald Trump continued the GOP's winning streak in the state's presidential contests.
Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton to carry Missouri, the fifth straight presidential election that has gone to the Republican candidate in the Show-Me State. And he had plenty of company in what was a clean sweep of statewide races.
Republican Eric Greitens defeated Democrat Chris Koster to win the governor's race. Other Republican statewide winners were: lieutenant governor candidate Mike Parson, attorney general candidate Josh Hawley, secretary of state candidate Jay Ashcroft and treasurer candidate Eric Schmitt.
Meanwhile, GOP incumbent Sen. Roy Blunt dominated rural areas of Missouri in defeating Democratic challenger Jason Kander.
Until recently, Missouri's presidential vote was a solid predictor of the nation's sentiments. From 1904 through 2004, Missouri voters sided with the winning candidate every time but once, choosing Democrat Adlai Stevenson over Republican incumbent Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.
The run ended in 2008 when Missouri backed Republican John McCain, who lost to Democrat Barack Obama. Republican Mitt Romney carried Missouri over Obama in 2012.
Here is a look at other key races and issues facing Missouri voters:
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GOVERNOR
Missouri's contentious campaign for governor was the most expensive in the nation. Greitens, a political newcomer and a former Navy SEAL officer, focused his campaign largely on his military record and a pledge to fight corruption in the state's Capitol. Koster, a two-term attorney general, earned endorsements from the Missouri Farm Bureau and National Rifle Association, groups that typically support Republicans.
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U.S. SENATE AND HOUSE
Blunt returns for a second term in the Senate after 14 years in the House.
Incumbents won all eight congressional races. Winners were Democrats William Lacy Clay in the 1st District and Emanuel Cleaver in the 5th; and Republicans Ann Wagner in the 2nd District, Blaine Luetkemeyer in the 3rd, Vicky Hartzler in the 4th, Sam Graves in the 6th, Billy Long in the 7th and Jason Smith in the 8th.
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DOWN THE BALLOT
It was a mixed night for the sons of famous Missourians. Russ Carnahan is a former congressman from St. Louis and the son of former Gov. Mel Carnahan. He lost to Parson in the lieutenant governor race. Ashcroft is the son of John Ashcroft, a former two-term governor, U.S. senator and U.S. attorney general. He defeated Democratic candidate Robin Smith, a longtime TV reporter and anchor in St. Louis.
Hawley, a law professor, defeated Democratic Cass County prosecutor Teresa Hensley in the election for attorney general.
Schmitt defeated Democratic former state Rep. Judy Smith in the treasurer's race.
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ISSUES
Both ballot measures to increase Missouri's lowest-in-the-nation tobacco tax failed. Amendment 3 would have added 60 cents to the cigarette tax through 2020; Proposition A would have increased the tax 23 cents by 2021. Missouri's tax is 17 cents per pack. The national average is $1.65 per pack.
Amendment 1 passed, extending a one-tenth cent sales tax that funds state parks, historic sites and conservation efforts.
Amendment 2 passed, imposing a campaign contribution limit of $2,600 to candidates per election, and up to $25,000 to political parties.
Amendment 4 passed, barring sales taxes on services that weren't taxed as of last year, such as real estate agent services.
Amendment 6 passed, allowing lawmakers to add voter photo identification requirements at the ballot box.
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OTHER ELECTION COVERAGE
U.S.
Trump rides his movement to vindication and the White House
Major voting problems scant despite ominous warnings
3 states OK recreational pot; 2 toughen gun control laws
Missouri
Incumbent Blunt defeats Kander in Missouri Senate race
Missouri amendment and ballot initiative results
Mid-Missouri
Republicans do well in most of Mid-Missouri
Barnes re-elected to Statehouse post
Luetkemeyer, Hartzler win re-election
Kuensting wins Cole County public administrator race
Incumbent wins Cole County Eastern District commission seat
71 percent turn out for Cole County votes
Callaway County re-elects Eastern District commissioner
Challenger defeats incumbent in lone Moniteau County race
Miller County sees 69 percent voter turnout
Morgan County election final results
Maries County election final results
Boone County election final results