Missouri General Assembly candidates meet with Mizzou Democrats

Democratic candidates pursuing representation for Boone County in the Missouri House of Representatives and State Senate attended a “Meet the Candidates” event hosted by the Mizzou College Democrats on Oct. 30 in Switzler Hall. Candidates highlighted personal campaign goals and spoke with students.

Cole Bower, president of the Mizzou College Democrats, said he believed the event gave students the ability to see how much of a voice they have in the Columbia community. 

“I think it says a lot that less than a week before an election that all of these candidates…took the time to come here to speak with students, to hear from students,” Bower said. “It really shows how much of a priority we are to them, and I hope that everyone here and everyone who’s reading about this recognizes that.”

Four of Boone County’s Democratic candidates for the Missouri House of Representatives attended the event, including incumbents Kathy Steinhoff, David Tyson Smith and Adrian Plank. Gregg Bush, Democratic candidate for district 50 was also in attendance. Dave Raithel, the Democratic candidate running for House District 44 did not attend.

Event attendees discussed their main goals in their campaigns.

Rep. Kathy Steinhoff — District 45

highlighted funding in public schools and unions

Rep. David Tyson Smith — District 46

focused on legislation concerning firearms, reproductive rights and mental health

Rep. Adrian Plank — District 47

spotlighted goals concerning the environment and climate change

Gregg Bush — District 50 

underlined reproductive rights and other healthcare issues

Stephen Webber, Democratic candidate for Senate District 19, was also in attendance. His campaign goals include reproductive freedom, public education and safety throughout the state. 

Candidates spoke about their goals for Missouri legislation and how they will navigate being members of the minority party in a historically Republican state. Representatives spoke about their experiences finding compromise with opposing viewpoints to pass legislation. 

The candidates also emphasized how to get involved as a new voter in the presidential election.  They spoke about their time going door-to-door in Boone County, spreading information and encouraging others to vote. 

They encouraged  politically-minded students to do the same on campus or in their own neighborhoods, in hopes of encouraging more people to go out and vote in the presidential election, they said.

“It’s young people that change the world, my friends,” Smith said. 

For more information about student political groups’ events and election preparation related to the 2024 election, visit The Maneater’s election guide.

Edited by Maya Dawson | mdawson@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com