Senator Josh Hawley has won reelection in Missouri, a victory that comes after a bizarre incident involving his Democratic opponent, Lucas Kunce. Just two weeks before the election, Kunce accidentally injured a reporter during a publicity event involving firearms.
The mishap occurred when Kunce and former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger participated in a shooting demonstration at a private residence in Holt, Missouri.
The two were reportedly firing rifles at steel targets positioned just ten feet away. During the event, shrapnel from one of Kunce’s shots ricocheted and struck KSHB 41 News reporter Ryan Gamboa, who was covering the event.
Gamboa was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The incident drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the safety protocols—or lack thereof—at the event.
The shooting accident quickly became a talking point in the heated Senate race. Hawley’s campaign seized on the incident, framing Kunce as reckless and unfit for office. Kunce’s campaign, meanwhile, downplayed the event as an unfortunate accident but struggled to recover in the final stretch of the election.
Despite the controversy, Hawley secured a decisive victory, ensuring another term in the Senate. The incident has sparked broader debates about gun safety and political optics in high-stakes campaigns.
Hawley defeated Democrat opponent Lucas Kunce 56% to 42%.
Hawley ended with 1,639,359 votes
Lucas Kunce ended with 1,234,159 votes.
Missouri, a former battleground state went for President Trump 58.5% to 40.1%.
