JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – With the news of long-time Senator Roy Blunt opting out of running for reelection in 2022, the Republican side of the ticket is intensifying quickly. 

Blunt has held the seat since 2011, so it comes as no surprise that three Republicans have already announced candidacy – and there’s speculation that plenty more will pursue a succession of the incumbent. 

Cole County resident and former 2020 Libertarian nominee for Governor Rik Combs was the first to officially throw his hat in the ring on the GOP side. Combs received 1.6% of the vote for Governor, gathering just over 49,000 votes. 

Former Governor Eric Greitens, who resigned in 2018 amid scandal allegations, is sparking a political comeback, hoping to secure the seat. Greitens formally announced his candidacy on Fox News’ “Special Report” last Monday.

Days later, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt  made a formal announcement in a thread of tweets. 

“I am proud to announce that I am running for U.S. Senate, where I will continue the fight to preserve the conservative policies championed by President Trump that built the strongest economy in American history,” Schmitt said.

As the primary election is still almost a year and a half away, various Congress members are also on the slate of possible candidates.

Reps. Jason Smith, Billy Long, Vicky Hartzler, Blaine Luetkemeyer and Ann Wagner could all join the race, but none have definitively pulled the trigger yet. 

Furthermore, plenty of Missouri notables have declined a 2022 Senate bid in recent weeks. Former U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison, Former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Gov. Mike Parson have all rejected the prospect of running. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe has also forgone the possibility of running and instead has his sights on the 2024 gubernatorial election.

With the primary election not taking place until August 2022, Missourians can expect to see plenty of developments in the coming months as things move forward.