MEET THE FRESHMEN

A dozen new Democrats joined the House for the 2023 legislative session. Get to know our freshest faces as they embark on their legislative careers.

Aaron Crossley

State Rep.

House District 29 - Independence

Representing:

City of Independence and Jackson County

Hometown:

Lee's Summit, Missouri

Background:

I'm a licensed Master Social Worker, and I also work as a behavioral health business strategist.

What inspired you to run for office?

With nearly two decades of social service experience, I've spent my adult life walking alongside people who feel forgotten. As I listened to people in my community, it was clear there were many of my neighbors who also felt forgotten: by their local government, by their elected representatives, and by serial politicians who seek nothing but power. That's why I ran: to carry these stories into the halls where decisions were begin made that affect everyday, hardworking people.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

Many people in my community have lost a lot of trust in their government. During my term, I would hope that I can be a bridge to making my constituents feel empowered to be active participants in their government.

Anthony Ealy

State Rep.

House District 36 - Grandview

Representing:

Grandview, as well as Southwestern and Southeastern Kansas City, Jackson County

Hometown:

Grandview, Missouri

Background:

I am an attorney.

What inspired you to run for office?

I have a passion for service and after working for Gail McCann Beatty and Congressman Cleaver, I saw how my area can be impacted by legislation. I wanted to be apart of brining some change to my area.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I would like to tweak the Missouri foundation formula to give my district's public schools more funding for students on individualized education plans and those receiving free and reduced lunch.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

We would all receive yearly stipends to spend in the economy.

Yolonda Fountain Henderson

State Rep.

House District 85 - St. Louis

Representing:

Parts of St. Louis County, including Jennings, Flordell Hills, Northwoods, Pine Lawn and parts of Delwood and Moline Acres

Hometown:

St. Louis, Missouri

Background:

I have a great deal of political experience as the current School Board Director of Jennings School District, Committeewoman of Norwood Township in St. Louis County, and a former mayor of Jennings. I have also done administrative and retail work in the past.

What inspired you to run for office?

I wanted to move up from the local level, and I felt that I could help more people at a higher level of politics.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I would like to get some legislation passed. One top priority is doing something that holds parents accountable for children and their actions. We've had children that break windows or shoot at police officers, then the children are released back to the parents. So, I would want to pass something ensuring that parents begin to take responsibility to better alleviate criminal action.

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If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

I would want to pass legislation that sees we take better care of our unaccredited schools to get them back on the right path.

Stephanie Hein

State Rep.

House District 136 - Springfield

Representing:

Springfield and Greene County

Hometown:

Springfield, Missouri

Background:

I am a former academic administrator and faculty member at Missouri State University. My professional career started in the multi-billion-dollar food and beverage industry where I honed my skills in business and finance. Following in my family’s footsteps, I transitioned my career into education where I advocated for providing my students a high return on their education investment, frequently serving as a bridge between academia and industry so that my students could have the best employment opportunities possible.

What inspired you to run for office?

I ran for office because I was tired of seeing our government not working for the betterment of our community. The median household income of Springfield is $20,000 below the state average, yet we are the third largest city in the state. I knew we desperately needed to address this disparity if we were going to solve some of the challenges facing our city. Then, when women's reproductive rights were stripped away and public schools came under attack, I could no longer sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to fix the situation. I decided it was time for me to act.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I want to work towards investments in our state that address the childcare crisis, support public education, and enhance workforce development.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

One, restoration of women's reproductive rights so that personal healthcare decisions can be made by a women and her doctor without interference from the government. Two, expansion and funding for pre-k programs offered by public schools.

Jamie Johnson

State Rep.

House District 12 - Kansas City

Representing:

Platte County including: Parkville, Riverside, Kansas City (in part), Houston Lake, Platte Woods, Northmoor

Hometown:

New Orleans, Louisiana

Background:

Talent Development Consultant for Commerce Bank, Air Cargo Service Manager for Air General, and Customer Service Manager for American Airlines

What inspired you to run for office?

I'd been involved in politics in some fashion all of my life. My parents were active participants in the political process when I was growing up. As well, I'd observed the imbalance in government for the whole of my life in Missouri. When it was announced who was running on the GOP ticket for this seat, I didn't want that person representing me, so I decided to try to stop him.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

Survive and advance

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

Fully funding and protecting public schools.

Doug Mann

State Rep.

House District 50 - Columbia

Representing:

City of Columbia and Boone County

Hometown:

Columbia, Missouri

Background:

Before moving to Columbia, I worked as a high school history and civics teacher. After graduating from law school I began work as a civil rights attorney focusing on employment and school based discrimination.

What inspired you to run for office?

When my wife and I arrived to Missouri we fell in love with our community. While we love the community, we also saw the attacks being levied against Missourians by many in Jeff City. I could not sit by and watch these attacks take place. So, when a spot opened up in the 50th I felt called to use my skill set to push back against these attacks and help build a better Missouri.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

In my first term I want to learn how the system operates and build the relationships necessary to be effective. I know as a freshman there is a lot to learn, and I look forward to the challenge.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

Increases to education funding. Our schools are lacking resources and our teachers are underpaid. We must invest in our education system like our future depends on it, because it does.

Chantelle Nickson-Clark

State Rep.

House District 67 - Florissant

Representing:

Florissant and areas of unincorporated St. Louis County

Hometown:

St. Louis, Missouri

Background:

I'm the owner of A&C Happy Hour Wine & Spirits in Florissant, and I own and operate Socially Her Chateaux Wine Garden located within the 67th District. Prior to that, I held a leadership position in the mortgage industry with over 27 years of experience. I graduated from Hazelwood East High School in 1995, and I continued my studies in Community Research Fellows Training in Public Health and Community Partnership Basic Human Subjects Research Training at Washington University School of Medicine.

What inspired you to run for office?

The passion to improve my community.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

Making the state budget more inclusive to North County, creating equity for minority and women owned businesses, and providing adequate healthcare solutions for our most vulnerable.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

Making the state budget more inclusive to North County.

Adrian Plank

State Rep.

House District 47 - Columbia

Representing:

Parts of Boone County, including Columbia, Rocheport, Sturgeon, and Harrisburg

Hometown:

Originally from Huntsville, Missouri but I've lived in Columbia since 1994

Background:

I’m a proud union carpenter by trade and a previous small business owner.

What inspired you to run for office?

I was inspired to run after I lost my business in the recession of 2008.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I will work to protect and strengthen our Missouri farmers from a monopolized crop farm system. I will work to protect working families from right-to-work policies and strengthen our ability to collectively bargain.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

I have introduce a bill that will clamp down on SuperPACs and the purchase of our policies and our republic.

Kathy Steinhoff

State Rep.

House District 45 - Columbia

Representing:

City of Columbia and Boone County

Hometown:

Columbia, Missouri

Background:

I taught in Columbia Public Schools for 34 Year, where in 2011 was named the NEA National Teacher of the Year. I was highly involved in my district's union, and I served as union president from 2015 to 2021.

What inspired you to run for office?

It was the perfect storm: there was an opening in my district, I was planning to retire, and several people asked me and urged me to run.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I want to help educators including getting them better wages and improving their working conditions by improving the learning conditions of our students.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

A $5,000 state-paid annual salary increase for public school teachers and our state employees.

Kemp Strickler

State Rep.

House District 34 - Lee's Summit

Representing:

Lee's Summit

Hometown:

Lee's Summit, Missouri

Background:

Retired, after 36 years at Hallmark Cards where I led Data Analytics and Marketing Research teams.

What inspired you to run for office?

I am a strong supporter of public education and believe that a strong public education system is essential for helping Missouri's young people reach their full potential and is also essential for economic growth across the state. I have been very disappointed in the Missouri legislature's lack of support for our schools and teachers, and I wanted to go to the legislature to advocate for our schools.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

My first goal is to re-establish the constituent services and provide the legislative voice for the residents of House District 34 that has been lacking since our previous (GOP) legislator was expelled from the Missouri House. After that, I want to strengthen our Missouri public schools through increased funding (and less interference from our legislature).).

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

I would like to see a law passed that would address the serious funding deficit in our public schools and help to improve the teacher shortage statewide.

Del Taylor

State Rep.

House District 84 - St. Louis

Representing:

City of St. Louis

Hometown:

St. Louis, Missouri

Background:

Kellogg MBA - IT and Supply Chain consultant. Washington University Chemical Engineer - I designed and built water treatment equipment

What inspired you to run for office?

I felt my 25+ years of industry experience would be helpful in managing the state's $40 billion budget and my engineering background would be helpful in planning upgrades to the state's infrastructure.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

Ensure Missouri has infrastructure plans for the growth of electric vehicle

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

Missouri currently ranks 49th out of 50 in education spending. I would like to pass a bill with funding to ensure all Missouri students K - 8 study agricultural science (botany, growing food, water management, symbiosis, sustainability, etc).

Eric Woods

State Rep.

House District 18 - Kansas City

Representing:

Southwest Clay County - Kansas City, City of North Kansas City, Avondale, village of Oaks

Hometown:

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Background:

I'm a 2011 Graduate of the University of Missouri with BAs in Political Science, History, and Religious Studies. Professionally, I manage audits and regulatory compliance related to technology, data privacy, and cyber security.

What inspired you to run for office?

Our state is facing many challenges and so many people feel that real change is not possible. I have been inspired by ordinary citizens who have been called to activism and have stood up to try to be the change that they want to see in the world. I have always been involved in the community and a bit of a rabble rouser, so I saw running for office as an opportunity to get further involved and do my part.

What's something you want to accomplish in your first term?

I would like to find areas where I can work across the aisle to find common solutions to real problems that my constituents are facing, whether that is delivering on infrastructure needs, supporting public schools, or driving economic development. It's important to me that I am able to deliver concrete results that improve the quality of life for people in my community.

If you could have one law signed by the governor, what would it be?

A massive election bill that expands and protects voting rights and strengthens our democracy. Basically, an anti-House Bill 1878.