Sabato’s Crystal Ball Becomes Fourth Organization To Shift Missouri Gov’s Race To Be More Competitive

It’s Tuesday, and yet another race ratings agency has downgraded GOP Gov. Mike Parson’s advantage in the Missouri governor’s race. Following a poll showing Parson and Democratic candidate Nicole Galloway in a dead heat, Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted the race to be more competitive.

Last week, U.S. News & World Report also ranked the Missouri governor’s race as more competitive, attributing the shift to Parson’s “middling support among independents” and Galloway’s impressive credentials and “strong fundraising quarters.” The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections moved the Missouri gubernatorial race to be more competitive back in April.

Parson started out with an early lead due to his incumbency and name recognition, but Galloway has since closed the gap, putting up big fundraising quarters, receiving praise for being a strong candidate, and launching her own COVID-19 public information campaign. Parson, on the other hand, has been pilloried for his poor handling of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri.

“The Missouri governor’s race is heating up – and this shift by a fourth ratings agency reflects the gains Nicole Galloway has made,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Christina Amestoy. “Missourians are frustrated with Mike Parson’s poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his anti-affordable health care agenda and inability to be a strong leader throughout his entire term. Come November, Missourians will be excited to elect someone who will step up and fight for their interests.”