ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Patrice Billings has filed as the Democratic candidate for Missouri State Senate District 2, which covers most of Western St. Charles County. A member of the St. Louis County Police Department for more than 28 years, Billings was the first female police officer in the country to become a helicopter pilot for a law enforcement agency. Billings retired from the police department in 2009 and is now co-owner of Butterfly & Moon, a small business boutique on Historic Main Street in St. Charles.
“I’m running to change the balance of power in Jefferson City,” said Patrice Billings. “I have heard the rage of constituents whose voices have not been heard by some in the current state legislature. I want to channel that rage and be a positive force for good.”
Throughout her life, Billings has been very involved as a member and leader of community organizations for issues she supports, including women’s rights, fighting domestic violence, supporting small business and local economic development, and empowering the LGBTQ community.
Missouri’s District 2 includes Lake Saint Louis, Wentzville, New Melle, St. Paul, Flint Hill, Josephville, Foristell, Weldon Spring Heights and portions of St. Peters, Augusta and Defiance. The seat is currently held by Republican Bob Onder.
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber said, “The Republican establishment in Jefferson City has time and again put their secret dark money donors and big corporations above the economic needs of working Missourians. It’s time for Bob Onder to go.”
“There’s an opportunity for first-time women candidates such as myself to run because voters want someone who can bring harmony and rational solutions to complex problems,” said Billings.
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber, who has prioritized recruiting tough Democratic candidates to compete throughout Missouri, added: “There’s a new rush of energy behind Democrats in Missouri, who are committed to showing up and fighting for working families in every corner of our State.”
Patrice Billings was the first female police officer in the country to become a helicopter pilot for a law enforcement agency and earned a Purple Heart for her heroic achievements. She retired from the St. Louis County Metropolitan Police Department in 2009 after more than 28 years. Her roles included chief pilot and flight instructor with the Metro Air Support Unit. She also was a sniper and precision marksman with the department’s SWAT team for 10 years. Billings has spoken around the country about women in aviation, including historical presentations about Amelia Earhart and her own legendary career.
Patrice is co-owner of Butterfly & Moon, a boutique on historic Main Street in St. Charles, MO. Her extensive community involvement includes past board member of Safe Connections, a domestic and sexual violence support agency. She also is a member of Zonta International; Greater St. Charles Chamber of Commerce; The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); and National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC).
