ICYMI: Missouri Governor’s Race Extremely Competitive Heading Into Election Day

NPR Reports Galloway’s Focus on Science and Masks Around Pandemic “Resonating with Missouri Voters”

This morning, NPR’s Morning Edition featured a story on “one of the most competitive gubernatorial matchups in the nation” – the Missouri governor’s race – and how the pandemic may have tipped the scales in favor of Democratic candidate Nicole Galloway.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s handling of the pandemic has been a full-fledged disaster. Parson has repeatedly ignored public health officials’ recommendations to mandate masks in Missouri – despite warnings from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that the state is in a vulnerable position heading into the winter. Last week, hospital administrators from across the state also pleaded with the governor to address surging cases and issue a mask mandate. Parson did not respond with any new action. 

Missouri is facing a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases, with October marking the worst month for cases and deaths. The state’s rural health care systems, which were already strained following hospital closures on Parson’s watch, are now on the brink of being overwhelmed.

Nicole Galloway said, “This has been a test of leadership, and [Mike Parson] failed that test.” 

Galloway, the state’s auditor, is offering a new way for Missouri – as governor, she plans to implement a mask mandate and use a science-backed, data-driven approach to contain the spread of the virus. NPR reports Galloway’s message is clearly resonating with voters, citing Galloway’s impressive grassroots fundraising.

Listen to the full story here.