MISSOURI — U.S. Representative Sam Graves announced his retirement from public office, triggering a Republican primary for Missouri's 6th Congressional District in the 2026 election. Five candidates are currently running in the Republican primary, scheduled for August 4, 2026.

Graves and U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt endorsed Chris Stigall, a radio host and former field representative for Graves. Stigall's campaign platform includes expanding agricultural market access and reducing regulations on family farms. Stigall stated he learned of Graves's retirement approximately one week before the public announcement.

Kansas City City Council member Nathan Willett is also a candidate in the primary. "For 26 years Congressman Sam Graves has represented North Missouri. He and his anti-Trump (Jeff Roe) political consultant are trying to hand pick the next person to come after him for the next 26 years," Willett said. Willett stated, "As conservatives, we don't believe in rigging elections. Graves tried to with his last minute retirement announcement but I am giving the voters a choice. The people of North Missouri should decide their next Congressman."

Roe founded Axiom Strategies, a political consulting firm, and formerly served as chief of staff to Graves. Roe supported Ron DeSantis's 2024 presidential campaign. President Donald Trump and his advisers instructed Republican candidates not to hire Roe or Axiom Strategies. Willett supports Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and previously voted against legislation that would prevent an ICE detention center in Kansas City. Both the Missouri Farm Bureau and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Willett.

Other candidates in the Republican primary include Jim Ingram, Cody Oshel, and Nathanael Schultz. Missouri redrew its congressional district boundaries prior to the 2026 elections. Under these newly drawn boundaries, the district would have voted for Trump by a 27 percentage-point margin in 2024. Under the previous boundaries, the district would have voted for Trump by a 39 percentage-point margin in 2024.