Missouri Democrats have blocked state lawmaker Sarah Unsicker from running for governor as a Democrat after she was exiled from the party for social media posts last year showing her with a man cited by the Anti-Defamation League as a Holocaust denier. The Democratic Party refused to accept Unsicker’s filing fee, stating that they do not wish to associate with her as a candidate after she was removed from the House Democratic Caucus in December. Unsicker could still run for governor as a libertarian or Republican if those parties would accept her, or as an independent if she gathers 10,000 voter signatures by July 29.
Unsicker was prepared to challenge House Minority Leader Crystal Quade for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. The seat will be open as Republican Gov. Mike Parson is barred by term limits from seeking reelection. However, Republicans, who currently control all of Missouri’s statewide elected offices, are highly favored to win the governorship. Unsicker’s removal from the Democratic Party reflects internal conflicts within the party and the challenges faced by candidates with controversial histories.
The decision to block Unsicker from running as a Democrat highlights the party’s efforts to maintain a certain image and distance themselves from individuals with controversial associations. By refusing to accept her filing fee, the party is sending a clear message that they do not want to be associated with Unsicker as a candidate. This move may also be seen as an attempt to protect the party’s reputation and appeal to voters who may be put off by Unsicker’s past associations.
Unsicker’s potential candidacy as a libertarian, Republican, or independent raises questions about her political future and the possible impact of her controversial history on her chances of winning the governorship. Running under a different party or as an independent would require her to navigate a different political landscape and potentially face challenges in gaining voter support. Regardless of her future political path, Unsicker’s removal from the Democratic Party underscores the complexities of running for office and the importance of maintaining a positive public image.
As the race for the Missouri governorship heats up, the exclusion of Sarah Unsicker from the Democratic Party’s nomination process adds a new dimension to the political landscape in the state. With Republicans favored to win the governorship, the decision to block Unsicker from running as a Democrat reflects broader political dynamics and the challenges faced by candidates with controversial histories. Ultimately, Unsicker’s future in Missouri politics remains uncertain as she explores other avenues for her candidacy.
