Jordan Herrera, an attorney and Air Force veteran, won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in Missouri’s newly redrawn 4th Congressional District, defeating Hartzell Gray, a tenant organizer who had garnered national attention for his socialist platform. Gray, who had been endorsed by a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, lost to Herrera in a seven-way primary.
The result sets up a contest between Herrera, a more conventional Democrat, and Republican Rep. Mark Alford in the GOP-leaning district. The new 4th District includes parts of Kansas City and extends through suburban and rural areas of Missouri. While the district's boundaries were redrawn, it remains a solidly Republican seat.
Gray, 33, had positioned his campaign as a challenge to the Democratic Party establishment, criticizing its ties to wealthy donors and corporate interests. He gained national visibility through appearances on online platforms, including a Twitch livestream with Hasan Piker, where he criticized what he called "sell-out Democrats." This exposure reportedly led to over $30,000 in donations following his appearance on Piker's show. Gray also participated in other left-leaning online programs in an effort to boost turnout.
Gray's campaign outpaced Herrera's in fundraising, raising approximately $250,000 through mid-July, more than six times the amount raised by Herrera. Gray's campaign did not accept corporate, developer, or lobbying funds, aligning with his platform that included universal health care, tenant protections, and progressive taxation. He also advocated for rent controls and the repeal of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.
The Democratic Socialists of America's endorsement of Gray marked its first for a federal race. The primary also featured former Democratic nominee Jeanette Cass, attorney and Air Force veteran Herrera, radio host Randy Miller, Ashleigh Rogers, Wayne Russell, and G. Rick. Gray's nomination was seen as a victory for the local DSA chapter, but his general election prospects will be tested in a district designed to favor Republicans.