Joan Esposito is joined by Missouri Democratic House Minority Leader Ashley Aune.

The discussion focused on Missouri Democrats’ legislative gains in the midterm election last week and voter frustration with Republican policy decisions. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Aune said Democrats flipped 16 state House seats and two state Senate seats, ending Republican supermajorities in both chambers.
- She attributed the gains to strong candidate recruitment, fundraising, and organizing, alongside the broader blue wave.
- She cited voter frustration with lawmakers overriding voter-approved measures, including abortion access, paid sick leave, Medicaid expansion, and ballot initiatives.
- She said economic pressures and perceived out-of-touch Republican leadership contributed to voter dissatisfaction, and argued that Republican leaders appear to have learned little from the results.
- Esposito and Aune discussed how fragmented media feeds and misinformation make it harder for lawmakers and constituents to share a common understanding of events.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

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