Durnell retains House seat

In a repeat contest between incumbent Republican Lisa Durnell and Democrat JoJo Stewart in last week’s general election, Durnell walked away victorious and will return to Jefferson City to represent the people of Missouri House District 154. 

 

This cycle’s win showed the challenger gain some ground since the last contest between the two in 2024. Tuesday’s results had Durnell winning with nearly 77% of the vote.  In 2024, her win was an 85/15 margin. 

 

11,228 Howell County voters turned out at the polls last week, a 40% turnout. August’s primary election was a 31% turnout. In 2024, a presidential election year, Howell County had a 67% turnout. 

 

There were no other contested local races. 

 

On statewide issues, Howell County voters approved Amendment 3, which would have outlawed abortion statewide, with 67% “yes” votes. Statewide, the Amendment failed. Only 44% of Missourians as a whole approved. 

 

Amendment 6, amending Missouri’s initiative petition process, failed in Howell County, but passed statewide. Howell County voters narrowly approved Prop A, while the state failed it with a 60% “no” vote. 

 

Amendment 7, which would have established a permanent endowment to fund the state government, failed both in Howell County and statewide. Amendment 8, preserving the right to elect county sheriffs, passed both at home and across the state.