Missouri's 28th Senatorial District

Missouri's 28th Senatorial District is a legislative constituency in the Missouri Senate. It is currently located in southwestern Missouri, encompassing parts of Greene County and all of Webster County. The district's population center is the city of Springfield, the state's third-largest city and a major regional hub. Its boundaries have been redrawn several times following the United States Census and the subsequent redistricting process.

History

The district was established by the Missouri Constitution of 1875, which formalized the state's legislative apportionment. Its geographic composition has shifted significantly over the decades, historically covering areas in both southwestern and central Missouri. Following the 2010 United States Census, the Missouri Reapportionment Commission significantly reconfigured the district during the 2012 Missouri redistricting cycle. The most recent changes came from the 2020 United States Census, with new maps adopted by the Missouri General Assembly in 2022 taking effect for the 2022 Missouri Senate election. This latest configuration solidified its core in Greene County while adding Webster County.

Geography

As defined by the 2022 redistricting plan, the district is anchored in the urban core of Springfield, including downtown and many central neighborhoods. It extends to capture southeastern portions of Greene County, including communities like Republic. The district also includes all of rural Webster County, containing the county seat of Marshfield and towns such as Rogersville and Fordland. Key geographic features within or near the district include portions of the Springfield Plateau and proximity to the James River watershed.

Demographics

The district is predominantly urban and suburban due to its inclusion of Springfield, home to major employers like CoxHealth, Mercy Hospital Springfield, and Missouri State University. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the district has a population that is overwhelmingly non-Hispanic white, with smaller but growing Hispanic and Black communities. The economy is diverse, with significant sectors in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail, supported by institutions like the Springfield-Branson National Airport and Bass Pro Shops headquarters. Voter registration data from the Missouri Secretary of State shows a competitive partisan landscape, though the district has trended toward the Republican Party in recent federal and state elections.

Elections

Senate elections for the district are held every four years, coinciding with the United States presidential election. The primary elections are administered by the Missouri Secretary of State and local county clerks, including those in Greene and Webster counties. In the 2022 Missouri Senate election, Republican candidate Jill Carter won the seat. Previous officeholders have included Mike Cunningham and Dan W. Brown. The district's electoral behavior is often seen as a bellwether for statewide races, with competitive contests for the Missouri House of Representatives, Governor of Missouri, and United States Senate seats frequently decided by narrow margins here.

List of senators

The following individuals have represented the district in the Missouri Senate. The party affiliations listed are those at the time of their service. * Jill Carter (Missouri politician)|Jill Carter (Republican) – 2023–present * Mike Cunningham (Republican) – 2013–2023 * Dan W. Brown (Republican) – 2009–2013 * Norma Champion (Republican) – 2003–2009 * Doyle Childers (Republican) – 1995–2003 Earlier senators include figures such as John E. Scott and Harry S. Truman, who served as a senator for Jackson County before the district's numbering and modern boundaries were established.

Category:Missouri Senate districts