Missouri AG Andrew Bailey fends off primary challenge from Trump attorney Will Scharf after bitter debate over local cop’s death

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on Tuesday night fended off a fierce attack from Trump’s lawyer Will Scharf during the Republican primary.

It was the first time voters had their say on Bailey’s performance. He was appointed to the seat in 2022 after Eric Schmitt left for the Senate.

Trump curiously endorsed both Bailey and his attorney Scharf in the race.

“This victory is for the hardworking Missourians who have fought tirelessly with me for the past 18 months,” Bailey wrote on X when declaring victory. “Your dedication and passion are the driving force behind this incredible triumph. Together we WILL keep Missouri strong, safe and free.”

Scharf, meanwhile, relented and supported Bailey.

“Tonight, we came up short. We always knew it would be difficult to challenge an incumbent president and the Jefferson City establishment, and despite the tremendous grassroots energy surrounding our campaign, Andrew Bailey has certainly earned a full term. He has my unwavering support in the general election, and I hope he makes Missouri proud for years to come.”

Both Missouri Senators, Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, congratulated Bailey on his victory.

In the race for governor, Donald Trump has endorsed three of the nine candidates running: Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Sen. Bill Eigel. Republican Gov. Mike Parson is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. That race is not yet known.

While there is little difference between Scharf and Bailey on policy, the race has become so intense that it is now one of the most expensive elections in the country, with a price tag of nearly $20 million.

Trump attorney Will Scharf launched a primary challenge to Bailey for Missouri attorney general

“These two men are truly outstanding in every way, shape and form,” Trump wrote in his Truth Social endorsement. “I am honored to give both Andrew Bailey and Will Scharf my complete and total endorsement – NEITHER OF THEM WILL EVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Bailey’s criminal past is spotlighted in a new ad and flyers funded by a political action committee supporting Scharf.

Bailey is charged in the death of police officer Mason Griffith, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in March 2023 at the age of 34.

Now the widow of the murdered police officer is demanding that her late husband not get involved in the controversial campaign, while she raises two young sons.

Jennifer Griffith says the ads have confused her family again and is demanding they stop.

“They’re cracking down on this pretty hard,” Griffith told DailyMail.com, adding that she had received three advertisements in the mail, numerous phone calls, surveys and text messages with videos exploiting her husband’s death.

“Every time I see a commercial on TV, I have to explain to my son why Kenneth Simpson’s face is on TV,” she added, referring to her husband’s alleged killer.

Alleged cop killer Kenneth Simpson had a long history of run-ins with police dating back to 2004. According to court documents, he spent the next 10 years in and out of prison.

The ad focuses primarily on Bailey because of his time as an assistant district attorney in Warren County in 2017, when he handled multiple cases involving Simpson.

Simpson was arrested, charged and released on bail multiple times in the fall of 2017 for allegedly punching his father in the face and for possessing brass knuckles, two offenses.

He ultimately spent 10 days in jail for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia under Bailey’s prosecution. A judge sentenced him to another six months for unlawful possession of a weapon.

The pro-Scharf PAC has targeted Bailey with its attack ads and mailings, claiming that Simpson’s short sentences have allowed him to commit more crimes.

“As a prosecutor, Bailey handled a violent criminal who once shot at a police car with care,” the controversial ad read.

“Bailey knew this, yet he charged him with minor crimes after he struck again, and within months he was free,” the ad said.

At the time of the shooting, Simpson was out on bail for crimes prosecuted after Bailey left the district attorney’s office.

The widow of a slain Missouri police officer is demanding that those supporting Trump’s lawyer Will Scharf, who is running for attorney general, stop involving her late husband in his campaign

Kelly King, Bailey’s successor at the Warren County District Attorney’s Office, claimed she asked a judge to revoke Simpson’s bail, but her request was denied.

After being arrested for shooting Griffith, Simpson told police he was on the run because of several warrants. He told police he thought he was going to die and decided to commit “suicide by police.”

He is accused of killing Officer Mason Griffith and wounding Officer Adam Sullentrup.

According to police, Simpson had six outstanding felony warrants in Warren County and one misdemeanor warrant in Franklin County.

Bailey’s team accuses the pro-Scharf PAC of “exploiting” the tragedy during the campaign.

As a candidate, Scharf is not allowed to work with PACs like Defend Missouri on messaging or strategy.