Missouri Dem Flips to GOP Makes it 118 in House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –
A Democratic state House member from eastern Missouri is switching to the Republican Party after an election in which the GOP built upon its already large majorities.

Rep. Linda Black, of Desloge, was unopposed when she won election Tuesday to a fourth and final term in the House.

Republicans won 117 House seats – the largest total number they have ever had in Missouri. Black’s switch will make that 118.

Black said in a written statement Wednesday that she is switching parties because she finds it “difficult to square my social and moral beliefs” with those of the Democratic Party. As an example, Black has frequently voted with majority Republicans in support of abortion restrictions.

Black said she had contemplated a party switch for a while before announcing it.