Area Democrats gathered at The Roof in Downtown Columbia to support Fourth District House challenger Renee Hoagenson while watching midterm results roll in. Backed up polling locations across the state meant delayed results for the Fourth District race, but soon after results started coming in, it became clear the Blue Wave did not wash over mid-Missouri.
The Associated Press called the race around 9:35 p.m. in favor of incumbent Republican Vicky Hartzler, but Hogenson didn't give her concession speech until around 10:30 p.m.
This was Hoagenson's first run for public office. She ran on a platform that included campaign finance and lobbying reform, public education funding and expanding Medicare.
She said, despite losing the race, she doesn't regret the run.
"The work that we've done, the issues that we've raised, all of it has been really worth doing. I mean, we've really held the candle of democracy and you know, we're fighting for the people in Missouri, and we may continue who knows."
Hartzler watched election from home with her family and spoke to KBIA over the phone. She says in her fifth term in Congress, she will take on issues like healthcare, rural broadband and the military.
Hartzler currently serves on the Agriculture and Armed Services committees. She said she's thankful to her constituents for voting her back into the House for another term.
"I just appreciate, so much, the people of this district and want to thank them for their votes, for their support and I look forward to working with them to make America safe and strong," Hartzler said.
