Conservative Influencers Invest Millions In Missouri Attorney General Election

The down-ballot race in Missouri, where influential figures in the national conservative movement are competing against wealthy political boosters, has become the most expensive of its kind in the country.

As the Aug. 6 Republican Party primary approaches, political action committees (PACs) are launching attack ads against Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and his challenger, Will Scharf. Defend Missouri and Liberty and Justice PAC are the two primary PACs responsible for the majority of the spending, based on Federal Communications Commission records.

One ad, run by Defend Missouri, labels Bailey as a “soft on crime liberal” who betrayed law enforcement and sympathizes with criminals. The advertisement refers to a case in which Bailey allegedly went easy on a suspect accused of killing detective Mason Griffith in 2023. The Fraternal Order of Police condemned the ad, stating that it politicizes a tragedy and jeopardizes the ongoing prosecution of the suspect.

On the other hand, the Liberty and Justice PAC, which supports Bailey, accuses Scharf of providing alcohol to minors at a party while threatening to sue the police. Scharf denies the allegations, stating that such claims are baseless and irrelevant to the current race.

A recent poll showed that 44 percent of voters were undecided in the attorney general’s race, with Bailey leading Scharf among those who had chosen a side. However, Scharf’s internal polling indicates a much closer competition, with only a 3 percent difference between the candidates.

Both PACs are primarily funded by influential political donors and organizations. Missouri PACs have no limit on campaign contributions, similar to federal super PACs. Defend Missouri has raised approximately $6.4 million, while Liberty and Justice PAC has collected around $3 million, according to campaign finance records.

Defend Missouri has received significant funding from the Club for Growth Action Missouri Federal Committee, which accounts for approximately $5.6 million of its fundraising since 2023. The Concord Fund, associated with the Judicial Crisis Network, has contributed another $1.6 million. Scharf, who formerly worked for the Judicial Crisis Network, acknowledges the group’s support due to his conservative stance.

Liberty and Justice PAC has received sizable contributions from Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, who donated $1.65 million, as well as Michael and Carolyn Rayner, who contributed $750,000. These donations came from prominent figures in Missouri and are associated with the Sinquefield family and private agribusiness giant Cargill Inc.

While Bailey has gained endorsements from notable Republicans such as Gov. Mike Parson, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Jason Smith, Scharf boasts his connections with Leo, the chairman of CRC Advisors. Scharf also highlights his involvement with the Harvard Federalist Society, where Leo is currently the co-chairman.

As the race intensifies, both candidates are emphasizing their achievements and attacking their opponents’ records. Bailey emphasizes his removal of former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and his efforts against organizations providing gender-affirming care, while Scharf points out administrative and legal failures by Bailey’s office, including high-profile losses in the state Supreme Court.

The battle for the attorney general position in Missouri has become a battleground for influential political forces. With significant funding from political donors and organizations, the outcome of this race could have a lasting impact on the conservative movement both within the state and nationally.