List of United States Senators from Missouri | Updated 2023

Missouri, the “Show Me State,” has a rich political history that can be traced through its senators. Representing the interests of the state and shaping national policy, Missouri’s senators have played a vital role in American politics.

We present a detailed table of Missouri’s senators from its early years of statehood to the present day. Spanning multiple political parties and eras, this list of voters showcases the individuals who have held the esteemed position of senator for Missouri.

Join us on this historical journey as we explore the contributions, achievements, and legacies of each senator, providing valuable insights into Missouri’s political evolution.

US Senators from Missouri

Senators	Party	Years in Office
David Barton	Democratic-Republican	1821-1831
Alexander Buckner	Jacksonian	1831-1833
Lewis F. Linn	Democratic	1833-1843
David Rice Atchison	Democratic	1843-1855
James S. Green	Democratic	1857-1861
Waldo Johnson	Unionist	1861-1862
Robert Wilson	Unconditional Unionist	1862-1863
Benjamin Gratz Brown	Republican	1863-1867
Charles D. Drake	Republican	1867-1870
Francis P. Blair	Democratic	1871-1873
Lewis V. Bogy	Democratic	1873-1877
James Shields	Democratic	1879-1883
George G. Vest	Democratic	1879-1903
William J. Stone	Democratic	1903-1918
Xenophon P. Wilfley	Republican	1918-1919
Selden P. Spencer	Republican	1919-1925
Harry B. Hawes	Democratic	1926-1933
Joel B. Clark	Democratic	1933-1945
Forrest C. Donnell	Republican	1945-1951
Thomas Hennings	Democratic	1951-1960
Edward V. Long	Democratic	1960-1968
Thomas Eagleton	Democratic	1968-1987
Kit Bond	Republican	1987-2011
Claire McCaskill	Democratic	2007-2019
Roy Blunt	Republican	2011-2023
Eric Schmitt	Republican	2023-present

Early Years of Missouri’s Senators

David Barton:

David Barton was the first senator elected from Missouri, serving from 1821 to 1831. A Democratic-Republican, Barton played an influential role in shaping Missouri’s early legislative agenda. His commitment to public service and advocacy for statehood were notable contributions to the state’s political development.

Alexander Buckner:

Alexander Buckner, a Jacksonian Democrat, served as a senator from 1831 to 1833. Though his tenure was brief, Buckner contributed to the political landscape during a time of significant change and growth in the United States. While specific details of his contributions are not widely documented, Buckner’s presence as a senator reflects the evolving dynamics of Missouri’s representation in the early 19th century.

Lewis F. Linn:

Lewis F. Linn, a Democrat, held the Class 3 Senate seat from 1833 to 1843. Known for his support of westward expansion and territorial expansionism, Linn actively advocated for the admission of new states to the Union. His progressive stance on these issues earned him recognition as a prominent figure in Missouri politics.

David Rice Atchison:

David Rice Atchison, a Democrat, served as a senator from 1843 to 1855. Notably, Atchison held the position of President pro tempore of the Senate, which made him the acting President of the United States for a single day on March 4, 1849. His tenure witnessed the growing tensions between the North and the South over the issue of slavery, setting the stage for the Civil War.

James S. Green:

James S. Green, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri from 1857 to 1861. As the nation descended into the depths of the Civil War, Green’s time in office was marked by intense political divisions. His allegiance to the Democratic Party during this period reflects Missouri’s complex position as a border state and its struggles with internal conflict.

1.6 Waldo Johnson: Waldo Johnson, a Unionist senator, played a crucial role in representing Missouri’s interests during the turbulent years of the Civil War. Although specific details of his contributions are not widely documented, Johnson’s affiliation with the Unionist cause was instrumental in shaping Missouri’s political trajectory during this period of uncertainty.

Robert Wilson:

Robert Wilson, an Unconditional Unionist, served in the Class 3 Senate seat from 1862 to 1863. Taking over from Waldo Johnson, Wilson continued to champion the Unionist cause and played a role in restoring stability and unity within Missouri’s political landscape.

Benjamin Gratz Brown:

Benjamin Gratz Brown, a Republican senator, held the Class 3 seat from 1863 to 1867. Brown’s political career extended beyond the first Senate race, and he later served as the Governor of Missouri. As a senator, he advocated for Republican policies and played a significant role in the post-Civil War Reconstruction era.

Charles D. Drake:

Charles D. Drake, a Republican, served from 1867 to 1870. Drake actively participated in the Republican Party’s legislative agenda during the Reconstruction era. His commitment to equal rights and civil liberties contributed to the efforts of reshaping the nation after the Civil War.

Francis P. Blair:

Francis P. Blair, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri in the 43rd Congress. While his specific contributions during his time in the Senate are not extensively documented, Blair’s political career and affiliation with the Democratic Party reflect Missouri’s evolving political dynamics in the late 19th century.

Lewis V. Bogy:

Lewis V. Bogy, a Democratic senator, served from 1873 to 1877. Bogy’s tenure saw him actively engaged in legislative matters, particularly in areas such as transportation and infrastructure development. He left a lasting impact on Missouri’s political landscape through his contributions to various policy initiatives.

James Shields:

James Shields, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri in the 46th Congress. Shields’ political career spanned several states, and he held the unique distinction of serving as a senator from three different states: Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. Shields’ service in the Senate marked the later years of his illust

rious career, during which he made valuable contributions to the political landscape of the states he represented.

George G. Vest:

George G. Vest, a Democratic senator, held the Class 3 seat from 1879 to 1903. Vest’s extensive tenure of over two decades made him one of the longest-serving senators from Missouri. Known for his oratory skills, Vest delivered a memorable speech known as “Tribute to the Dog,” in which he famously declared, “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world…is his dog.” Vest’s legacy includes his dedication to public service and his commitment to representing the interests of the people of Missouri.

William J. Stone:

William J. Stone, a Democratic senator, served in the Class 3 seat from 1903 to 1918. Stone’s time in office coincided with significant political and social changes in the United States, including the Progressive Era and World War I. He actively participated in legislative matters and focused on issues such as labor reform and transportation.

Xenophon P. Wilfley:

Xenophon P. Wilfley, a Republican, was elected in the general election of 1918 to finish the remaining term of William J. Stone. Wilfley’s brief tenure highlights the political transitions taking place in Missouri during the aftermath of World War I. While his time in the Senate was relatively short, Wilfley contributed to the legislative process during a critical period of national and state reconstruction.

Selden P. Spencer:

Selden P. Spencer, a Republican senator, served from 1919 to 1925. Spencer’s tenure encompassed the aftermath of World War I and the ensuing debates over international relations, domestic policies, and the economic challenges facing the nation. He actively participated in shaping legislation related to post-war reconstruction, veterans’ affairs, and agricultural policies.

Harry B. Hawes:

Harry B. Hawes, a Democratic senator, held the Class 3 seat from 1926 to 1933. Hawes’ political career extended beyond the Senate race, as he was also elected to the subsequent term in 1932. During his time in office, Hawes played a significant role in drafting and advocating for the 1933 National Industrial Recovery Act, a key component of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program.

Joel B. Clark:

Joel B. Clark, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri from 1933 to 1945. His tenure coincided with the Great Depression, World War II, and the subsequent post-war challenges. Clark actively supported Roosevelt’s New Deal policies and played a role in implementing measures to alleviate the economic and social impact of the Depression.

Forrest C. Donnell:

Forrest C. Donnell, a Republican senator, served from 1945 to 1951. Donnell’s time in office occurred during the immediate post-war period, and he focused on issues such as veterans’ affairs, foreign policy, and economic recovery. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Donnell played a crucial role in shaping defense policies during the early years of the Cold War.

Thomas Hennings:

Thomas Hennings, a Democratic senator, held the Class 3 seat from 1951 to 1960. Known for his commitment to civil rights and labor issues, Hennings actively participated in the legislative process during a period of significant social and political change. He co-authored the landmark Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, also known as the Taft-Hartley Act.

Edward V.

Long: Edward V. Long, a Democratic senator, served from 1960 to 1968. Long’s time in office occurred during a transformative period in American history, marked by the civil rights movement, the escalation of the Vietnam War, and significant social and political changes. As a senator, Long played an active role in promoting civil rights legislation and advocating for social justice. He also served on various committees, including the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, where he worked on education and labor-related issues.

Thomas Eagleton:

Thomas Eagleton, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri from 1968 to 1987. Eagleton’s tenure encompassed a time of intense political polarization, including the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of President Richard Nixon. Eagleton actively participated in legislative matters, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. Notably, he was the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 1972 election, running alongside presidential candidate George McGovern.

Kit Bond:

Kit Bond, a Republican senator, held the Class 3 seat from 1987 to 2011. Bond’s extensive tenure of four terms made him one of the longest-serving senators from Missouri. During his time in office, Bond focused on various issues, including agriculture, healthcare, and economic development. He also played a significant role in advocating for disaster relief funds for Missouri, particularly during times of natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes.

Claire McCaskill:

Claire McCaskill, a Democratic senator, represented Missouri from 2007 to 2019. McCaskill’s tenure occurred during a period of heightened political polarization and significant national debates. She actively engaged in legislative matters, particularly in the areas of government accountability, women’s rights, and veterans’ affairs. McCaskill was known for her pragmatic approach and willingness to work across party lines to achieve bipartisan solutions.

Roy Blunt:

Roy Blunt, a Republican senator, served in the Class 3 seat from 2011 to 2023. Blunt’s time in office was characterized by his involvement in various legislative initiatives, including healthcare reform, tax policy, and transportation infrastructure. He held leadership positions within the Senate, serving as the Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Eric Schmitt:

Eric Schmitt, a Republican senator, assumed office in 2023, representing Missouri’s Class 3 seat. As a newcomer to the Senate, Schmitt is expected to shape his legislative priorities and focus on issues important to the people of Missouri. His background and previous political and campaign experience will likely influence his approach to governance and the policies he champions during his tenure.

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Conclusion

Missouri’s Class 3 senators have left indelible marks on the state’s political landscape and contributed to shaping national policies. From the early years of statehood to the present, these senators have represented the diverse interests and aspirations of the people of Missouri. Through their legislative efforts, advocacy, and leadership, they have played crucial roles in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the state and the nation. As Missouri continues to evolve, the Class 3 senators will continue to shape the state’s political future and contribute to the broader national discourse. Their contributions serve as a testament to the importance of public service and the enduring impact of effective representation.