State Senator District 16 in Missouri State Senate District 16, Missouri

2026 Primary Election

• Bill Hardwick — Incumbent State Representative in Dixon, MO

  Bill Hardwick is an Iraq War Veteran, former prosecutor, and Republican State Representative serving Missouri's 121st House District since January 2021. A University of Missouri Law graduate and Lieutenant Colonel in the Missouri National Guard, he has 24 years of service including combat patrols in Iraq. Hailing from Dixon, Hardwick is a conservative leader, advocating for working families, economic growth, and constitutional rights. He champions the Second Amendment, veterans, law enforcement, and supports rural schools and agriculture. He is pro-life and is running for State Senate District 16 to fight for constituents, often opposing the Jefferson City establishment.

• Philip Lohmann — Candidate for State Senator in Houston, MO

  Philip Lohmann is a Republican candidate for the Missouri State Senate, currently running to represent District 16 in the 2026 primary. He previously ran for the Missouri House of Representatives District 143 in 2024, where he was defeated in the Republican primary. Lohmann states his motivation to run for office is to serve God and "save the country," committing to fight for citizens on critical issues. His platform focuses on lowering taxes, advocating for school choice, and implementing tough-on-crime policies. He proposes to eliminate the gas tax, personal property tax, and sales tax on essential baby and feminine hygiene products. Additionally, he plans to revive the State Guard to combat human and drug trafficking in Missouri.

• Don Mayhew — Incumbent Missouri House Representative in Crocker, MO

  Don Mayhew, a Republican and lifelong rural Missourian, currently serves as a Missouri House Representative for District 124, a role he has held since his election in 2018. A licensed engineer and small-business owner, he chairs the Corrections and Public Institutions Committee and serves as Vice-Chairman of an Appropriations Subcommittee. He previously served on his local school board and as Pulaski County Surveyor. Married with four children and eight grandchildren, Mayhew is running for Missouri State Senate District 16 in the August 4, 2026 Republican primary. He advocates for conservative solutions, aiming to shrink government, cut waste, and protect free speech, the Second Amendment, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life.

• Hannah Kelly — Farmer and Realtor in MO

  Hannah Kelly is a local farmer and realtor, and a fifth-generation resident of Wright County, Missouri, running for State Senate in 2026. A former legislator who served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025, she is campaigning for the District 16 seat. Kelly is known for her pro-life advocacy, having sued Planned Parenthood multiple times, and for passing legislation protecting vulnerable children, earning her the 2023 Kids Choice award. She describes herself as "just a country girl" ready to fight for her district's way of life, starting her campaign with over $50,000 raised.

• Virginia Staabs — Notary Public and Signing Agent in Richland, MO

  Virginia Staabs is a Democratic candidate for the Missouri State Senate, representing District 16 in the 2026 primary election. A resident of Richland, Missouri, she brings over a decade of experience as a Notary Public and Signing Agent across multiple states. She officially filed as the sole Democratic candidate for the District 16 seat in March 2026. The district encompasses counties such as Dent, Laclede, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Wright.