Sam Gladney’s to go music is Cardinals baseball podcasts. His to go fast food is Lion’s Choice. And he wants be to the next state Representative for HD 87.
“I love this district,” he said.
Gladney will face off with Ian Mackey on August 7 for the Democratic nomination. Whomever wins that race with be up against Republican Steven Bailey in the general election in November. All the candidates are looking to replace term-limited Stacey Newman.
“This campaign taught me that there is no substitute for person to person contact with every voter,” said Gladney. “We have knocked on over 22,000 doors so far. My personal cell phone and email are on every piece of literature that we hand out. You have to put yourself out there.”
A common theme he has found is that people are “frustrated with the lack of progress” happening in Jefferson City on a variety of issues. Constituents see a legislature in Jefferson City that does not reflect their values or priorities, according to Gladney.
“In a broad sense, my constituents are deeply concerned about the direction our State is heading,” he said
He wants to make early childhood education, gun violence reform, and expanding access to contraception his top priorities. He calls the issues ones that impact the daily lives of his constituents, and thinks there is a path to make meaningful progress on these issues in Jefferson City.
“Even if people disagree with you at the doors, they are quick to offer a glass of water or to invite you inside to soak up some air conditioning,” said Gladney.
As the primary draws near, Gladney plans to continue knocking doors, making phone calls, and sending postcards to voters.
“It is my sincere hope that this race does not turn negative, but I can only control my actions.”
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
