The Missouri Democratic Party is the affiliate of the United States Democratic Party in the state of Missouri.
The Missouri Democratic Party was founded in the early 1820s, emerging from the Democratic-Republican Party. Its initial voter base consisted of rural areas and small towns in the southern and central parts of the state, attracting farmers, laborers, and emerging middle-class citizens who opposed the nationalist policies of the Whig Party. These constituencies supported the Democrats due to their advocacy for agrarian interests, states’ rights, and opposition to centralized government power. The party’s stance on issues such as land distribution and support for the expansion of slavery into new territories also resonated with voters, particularly in the context of westward expansion.
In the leadup to the American Civil War, the party's support base increasingly included slaveholders and those economically dependent on slavery, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of Missouri. The party maintained strong support in rural areas while facing challenges in urban centers like St. Louis, where anti-slavery sentiments were more pronounced.
The Civil War created significant turmoil for Missouri. The state was a border state with divided loyalties, leading to a fractured Democratic Party. Many Democrats opposed the war, while others supported the Confederacy, causing internal strife. After the war, the Democratic Party faced challenges during Reconstruction as the Republican Party, aligned with Union interests, gained influence. Many former Confederates were disenfranchised, and African Americans were given the right to vote, leading to a shift in power dynamics.
In the late 19th century, the Missouri Democratic Party regained strength, benefiting from a coalition of white voters who resented Reconstruction and sought to restore local control. The party experienced factionalism, notably between the "Bourbon Democrats," who favored conservative policies, and "Populists," who sought more radical reforms addressing farmers' concerns and labor rights. The mid-20th century saw the Democratic Party struggling with civil rights issues. The national party’s growing support for civil rights alienated some traditional Southern Democrats, which was reflected in Missouri. The party began to attract more urban voters, including African Americans, as cities grew and social dynamics shifted.
By the 21st century, the party maintained support in urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, supported by a diverse coalition including African-Americans, younger voters, and urban professionals.