Democrat Jordan Herrera defeats socialist Hartzell Gray in Missouri primary

Jordan Herrera, an attorney and former Missouri assistant attorney general, captured the Democratic nomination for the newly redrawn 4th Congressional District, defeating Hartzell Gray, a 33-year-old former Kansas City radio host and tenant organizer known for his outspoken criticism of “sell-out Democrats.” Gray, who had drawn national attention after appearing on Hasan Piker’s Twitch stream and raising over $250,000, was outspent by Herrera, who raised about $40,000.

The primary also featured former nominee Jeanette Cass and other local candidates. The district now stretches from part of Kansas City into a broad swath of suburban and rural Missouri, remaining a solidly GOP seat that will pit Herrera against Republican Rep. Mark Alford. The Kansas City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America endorsed Gray, marking its first federal endorsement. The outcome tests whether a left-leaning coalition can compete in a district deliberately drawn to favor Republicans.