Republican · Missouri's 2nd District · 2026
Ann Wagner
Wagner's first workplace was Carpetime, her parents' small carpet store in Manchester.
Biography
Ann Wagner worked alongside her parents at their carpet store, Carpetime, in Manchester.1 She later studied business at Mizzou and moved into management jobs at Hallmark Cards and Ralston Purina.1 She and her husband, Ray, raised three children in the St. Louis area and now have six grandchildren.1
Her route into politics ran through local Republican organizing, the chairmanship of Missouri's Republican Party and a leadership role at the Republican National Committee.2 President George W.2 Bush appointed her ambassador to Luxembourg in 2005; she served four years before returning to Missouri.2 She entered Congress in January 2013.2
Combating human trafficking has been a major part of Wagner's legislative record.2 She helped write the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, known as FOSTA, which President Donald Trump signed in April 2018.3 The law expanded avenues for holding online services accountable for facilitating sex trafficking.3 Her committee work also includes financial regulation and intelligence oversight.2
Wagner's campaign emphasizes lower taxes, fewer business regulations, stronger border enforcement and opposition to abortion.1 She has supported the administration's tariff policies and the war in Iran, putting her at odds with Democratic challenger Fred Wellman.4 She is defending a seat in a traditionally Republican district where a recent Democratic aligned poll showed a close contest.4
Record and controversies
Credit for highway funding
St. Louis Magazine reported in October that Wagner promoted a $42 million highway grant funded through the 2021 infrastructure law she opposed.5 The same article confirmed that she sent a letter supporting the project.5 Her spokesman initially attributed the money to 2026 legislation, but the outlet traced it to the 2021 law; he also stressed her vote to create the original grant program in 2015 and her opposition to other parts of the larger 2021 package.5