Congressman Sam Graves, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. House and powerful chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced on Friday, March 27, 2026, that he will not seek reelection. The 62-year-old Tarkio native, first elected in 2000, initially filed for a 14th term in February but chose to withdraw his candidacy just days before the state's March 31 filing deadline.

“What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth,” posted Graves on social media. “Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments. We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them. We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.”

In his social media post, Graves also stated that he is "making room for the next generation" and noted it is "time to pass the torch" to a new guard of conservative leaders. Graves emphasized that he is not "slowing down" and plans to spend his final months in office shaping this year’s "Highway Bill" and modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.

Graves’ retirement from Missouri’s 6th Congressional District—a solidly Republican region spanning 39 counties—has ignited a scramble for the now-open seat. Potential Republican contenders include radio host Chris Stigall, State Representative Mazzie Christensen, and House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins.

On the Democratic side, candidates Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine have already filed.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.