Elad Gross, the Democratic candidate running for Attorney General of Missouri, hosted a meet-and-greet at the Broadway Diner in Columbia on Friday, March 8. 

Voters came from across Missouri to meet Gross. He spent the night discussing issues he hopes to address if elected, handing out yard signs, answering questions and introducing people to his dog, Liberty Belle. Gross shook many hands and spent time talking one-on-one to many of those who attended. 

“I think it went great. It was pretty packed, we had a lot of folks come in, a lot of folks took yard signs, the food smelled great — I’m about to eat some I hope — and I had a great time, so I hope everyone else did too,” Gross said. 

Gross is a civil rights attorney and lifelong Missourian. He  served as Assistant Attorney General in the Labor and Litigation Divisions until 2016, when he left the office to volunteer as a public defender and start a non-profit — Missouri For All. 

He first ran for office in 2019 but lost the election to Republican candidate, Eric Schmitt. Now, Gross hopes to win the primary and go on to the general election so he can bring representation to the people of Missouri.

“As Attorney General, I will start our first Civil Rights Division in the history of our state to protect those rights that we have now and the rights that we should have as Americans and Missourians,” Gross said to those in attendance.  

In his speech, Gross explained his plan to shed Missouri’s title as the puppy mill capital of the country, start Missouri’s first Civil Rights Division, sue phone scammers, restart Missouri’s Conservation Division and stop the Missouri legislature from making it hard for citizens to put issues they care about on the ballots. 

“It’s time to tell them no. It’s time to stand up and say absolutely not, this is our state, these are our freedoms, there are our families and we’re the ones that should be making those decisions,” Gross said. 

Maria Yepez, MU student and regional manager for Gross’s campaign, was also in attendance. Yepez was accepting donations on behalf of the campaign and collecting signatures for Gross’ initiative petition to put reproductive freedom on the ballot in Missouri. Yepez expressed how her favorite part of working for Gross is hosting events like these. 

“Not only does he get to meet new people, I also get  to hear people’s concerns and sometimes even just answer their questions too,” Yepez said. “I’m glad I’m able to help them.” 

Rush McAllister is a voter who drove from St. Louis just to meet Gross. 

“He’s a dynamic guy and I’ve seen him talk and some of his positions are really, really strong, so I wanted to come and meet the guy,” McAllister said. 

Throughout the last several years, McAllister said he has noticed hundreds of Missourians struggling to live off welfare checks and even more struggling to get jobs. However, McAllister believes Gross can help turn the economic state of Missouri around. McAllister and other attendees expressed their enthusiasm for Gross’ ideas and their belief in what he stands for. 

To stay updated on the primary election happening on Aug. 6, visit ballotpedia.org. To learn how to become a registered voter or register to vote in Missouri visit goVoteMissouri. 

Edited by Sam Barrett | sabrrett@themaneater.com 

Copy edited by Sophie Gromowsky and Grace Knight

Edited by Scout Hudson | shudson@themaneater.com