To an unprecedented degree, African Americans have been voted into leadership positions in the Democratic Party in the Missouri Legislature.
On November 8, members of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus took five of the seven Democratic Caucus leadership positions.
State Rep. Tommie Pierson Jr. (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) was elected caucus chair, state Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Normandy) vice chair, state Rep. Barbara Washington (D-Kansas City) secretary, state Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) whip, and state Rep. Daron McGhee (D-Kansas City) assistant minority leader.
Pierson, the new caucus chair, has served only one term — but it was an eventful term that gave him the confidence to seek a leadership role.
“Being added to the Budget Committee midway through my second year was a steep learning curve, and then being added to the Special Investigative Committee investigating the governor sped up my knowledge,” Pierson told The American.
“I built up relationships and trust within the caucus and felt comfortable asking them for the opportunity to serve them in this way.”
Only two caucus leaders now are not black: state Rep. Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) was elected minority leader and state Rep. Sarah Unsicker (D-Kirkwood) policy chair.
African Americans also were elected to leadership positions in the Senate Democratic Caucus. State Senator-elect Karla May (D-St. Louis) was elected chair and state Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis), and state Senator Shalon Kiki Curls D-Kansas City) was re-elected assistant minority leader.
State Senator Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) was re-elected as state Senate minority leader.
Pierson said now is the time for the Missouri Democratic Party to look to new leaders and new ideas as the person at the top of the party, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was soundly defeated by Republican Josh Hawley on November 6.
“It’s an opportunity for us as a party to look at our message and strategize how to best move forward as a party,” Pierson said. “This position provides an opportunity for me to be involved in that discussion.”
