Who's running in Missouri's 7th congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · Eric W. Burlison currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Improving water, rail, electricity and road infrastructure in southwest Missouri.
Reducing health care costs through his 'Great American Healthcare Plan', expanding health savings accounts.
Lowering taxes.
Holding Washington accountable and securing the border.
Declassifying records on unidentified anomalous phenomena.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Missouri's 7th District since January 2023.
Missouri House District 133 and Missouri Senate District 20.
Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs.
Lead sponsor of the Great American Healthcare Plan Act, backed by the NFIB and the Heritage Foundation.
Won the August 4, 2026 Republican primary with 73.8%.
Arguments in favor
He has delivered 'modest success' on infrastructure — securing a generational allocation of drinking water from Stockton Lake and reducing regulations on homeowners around Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo — and leads on health reform as 'a legitimate answer to the disastrous effects of Obamacare'.
— Eric Burlison, Springfield Daily Citizen candidate questionnaire
By looking past differences with Democratic colleagues, many of whom are friends, he has achieved results even in divided government.
— Eric Burlison, Springfield Daily Citizen candidate questionnaire
Arguments against
Missouri deserves 'a representative who holds regular town halls, answers constituents and is not controlled by party leadership or special interests', along with a true effort to pass congressional term limits.
— Grayson Hunt, Republican primary opponent, Springfield Daily Citizen questionnaire
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Burlison by Missi Hesketh or the DCCC in 2026 could be found.
His campaign website could not be read directly.
Whether Burlison will debate Hesketh had not been reported.
Bringing accountability back to government and fighting 'big money' in politics.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Teacher; elementary education degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and graduate degree from Drury University.
Former mayor of Forsyth and former city council member.
Democratic nominee for Missouri's 7th District in 2024.
Won the August 4, 2026 Democratic primary unopposed.
Arguments in favor
A teacher and former small-town mayor running to fight 'big money' in the district, she offers local government experience focused on affordability, health care and accountability.
— Missi Hesketh campaign site
Arguments against
She lost to Burlison in 2024 and is running again in a solidly Republican district that was untouched by redistricting.
— Springfield Daily Citizen reporting; 2024 election results
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Hesketh by name could be found — not from Burlison's campaign, the NRCC, or Springfield-area coverage.
Her detailed policy proposals and fundraising were not found.
Whether she will debate Burlison had not been reported.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Missouri held its primaries on August 4, 2026. This southwest Missouri district was not affected by the 2025 redistricting, so the September 2026 court rulings restoring the 2022 map for November do not change its lines; an Eighth Circuit appeal over the statewide map is still pending. Three candidates are certified, in the Secretary of State's August 25, 2026 order — the same three as in 2024: Republican incumbent Eric Burlison, who beat Grayson Hunt and John Casey with 73.8%; Democrat Missi Hesketh, unopposed in her primary; and Libertarian Kevin Craig, also unopposed. The district covers Barry, Christian, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Jasper, Stone and Taney counties and the southern half of Webster County, including Springfield and Joplin. It is solidly Republican.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Missouri ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.