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Duvel Pierre announces candidacy to replace term-limited Rep. Beatty

Kansas City, Mo. — Earlier this week, Duvel (DJ) Pierre officially declared his candidacy for the Missouri State House of Representatives in district 26.  This seat is currently held by House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty who is not eligible for re-election due to term limits.  The 26th district is located in parts of east and south Kansas City and includes major landmarks such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University and the Bannister Federal Complex.

Pierre states, “I am proud to announce my candidacy and hope to represent my neighbors and fellow citizens well in Jefferson City.  Missouri is desperately in need of ethical and practical leaders who aren’t afraid to promote a progressive message and do what’s right to improve the lives of all Missourians.  When elected, I will strive to uphold the pledge all officials take and maintain the public trust by remaining diligent, honest and accessible.”

DJ is an attorney in Kansas City specializing in litigation and dispute resolution.  With a background in high volume courtroom settings as a public interest attorney and prosecutor, he has been able to help his clients navigate the litigation process in and out of the courtroom which are skills he will apply to citizens working with him as a lawmaker.  His work as prosecutor included prosecuting domestic violence cases throughout Kansas City.  As a litigator, he conducted over forty trials guiding clients and witnesses through the judicial process and frequently oversaw alternative prosecution of defendants through the use of specialty courts that have proven more effective in rehabilitating offenders at a lower cost to taxpayers.

Beyond his legal work, DJ is active in the Kansas City community through several boards and commissions on which he serves including the Mayor’s Citizen Task Force on Violence, the Environmental Management Commission, Literacy KC, Newhouse Shelter, and the Committee for County Progress.

Pierre also notes, “Representative McCann Beatty has done remarkable work in her 8 years and will leave some big shoes to fill when her term expires. I hope to hit the ground running after the November election and will rely on her expertise and leadership as we transition to 2019 and beyond.  This district and community deserves no less than the most engaged and knowledgeable leader. I plan to deliver.”