This year could prove crucial as Democrats and Republicans struggle over which party controls the Missouri House. Republicans have stated for the past few election cycles that they would seize the majority in the Missouri House. But each election brought disappointment as Democrats held on to the majority. House Republican Leader Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods believes redistricting and term limits give Republicans an unprecedented opportunity to take control of the House. There are 87 Democrats in the House and 75 Republicans with one vacant seat. House Speaker Jim Kreider of Nixa, the top Democrat, doesn’t believe that term limits or redistricting will shake the grip his party has on the chamber. Though Kreider is forced out by term limits, he believes Democrats will retain control. The majority is important, because the majority assigns the committees and their chairmen and sets the agenda for the legislative session.
