Rep. Tommie Pierson Jr. launched his campaign for state Senate Thursday, a bid to replace term-limited Democratic Sen. Gina Walsh.
If elected, Pierson said he plans to continue with what he started in the state House: build relationships and trust.
“I’m one who has been able to develop a strong set of relationships within the community and across the state, to be able to bring people together and really move this area, north St. Louis County, forward,” Pierson, who represents HD 66, told The Missouri Times. “That is really what I bring: the ability to build bridges and connect people from various backgrounds.”
Pierson pointed to gun violence, educational opportunities, and the relationship between police and the community as three particular needs in the 13th district. He said he’s focused on ensuring “our young people have a clear path forward to being productive citizens” and “folks have good options and opportunities to thrive and not just survive” in the district.
“We want someone who is compassionate, capable, and really ready to lead and continue a legacy of strong leadership from the 13th district,” Pierson said. “I believe my work thus far in the House has proven my ability to provide strong leadership, and I look forward to continuing that.”
Pierson was first elected to the state House in 2016 — and voters sent him back in 2018. Last month, he was elected the assistant minority floor leader. He previously served as the Democratic Caucus chairman.
One of the proudest accomplishments of his time in the House, Pierson said, was his appointment to the House committee tasked with investigating former Gov. Eric Greitens. He was one of only two Democrats appointed to the committee.
Pierson said he appreciated his colleagues for entrusting him with the committee as a freshman legislator.
This past session, Pierson worked on bills relating to tax credits for teachers and creating more food security.
A former math teacher, Pierson is also the founding pastor of inStep Church and works as the business development director for a data analytics firm. He is a member of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, Spanish Lake Community Association, and Spanish Lake Democratic Club.
He and his wife, Dr. Zorata Pierson, have three children.
Pierson had more than $28,500 cash on hand as of the latest filing reports. Rep. Alan Green, a Democrat who is also planning a bid for the seat, had nearly $8,000.
Walsh has served in the General Assembly since 2013. She serves as the minority floor leader in the Senate.
Kaitlyn Schallhorn was the editor in chief of The Missouri Times from 2020-2022. She joined the newspaper in early 2019 after working as a reporter for Fox News in New York City.
Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has covered political campaigns across the U.S., including the 2016 presidential election, and humanitarian aid efforts in Africa and the Middle East.
She is a native of Missouri who studied journalism at Winthrop University in South Carolina. She is also an alumna of the National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C.
Contact Kaitlyn at kaitlyn@themissouritimes.com.
