As a woman who has lived in St. Charles County for 42 years, I am elated to see two women running for a seat that for so long was held by men. I am a strong believer that we need more female voices in public office. However, a stark contrast in these two ladies’ characters has become clear.
Terri Violet is a woman who lifts up other women. I’ve watched her mentor young women interested in public service, and I’ve seen her treat every constituent who comes to her with the same respect, whether or not they share her politics. In Jefferson City, she is known for being professional and kind, and for working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. She’s never published any negative materials. She doesn’t fight for a party. She fights for our community.
That’s why this campaign season has become so disappointing. Her opponent, Tara Murray, has used her own campaign Facebook page to post repeated attacks on Terri rather than making a clear case for herself. And the tone she has set seems to have spread.
Violet yard signs in our area have been vandalized. Terri has been confronted and harassed in person. Some people have even circulated AI-generated images mocking her for her faith.
I know that outside groups like to throw mud, and there’s nothing the candidates can do about that. I don’t believe any candidate can control every supporter. But leaders set the tone, and a campaign built on personal attacks invites more of them. Women in public life already face enough of this behavior. We should expect the women asking for our votes to rise above it, not stir it up.
Terri Violet has shown us, over and over, what grace under pressure looks like. She stays positive and denounces negative ads—even when they are meant to help her. That’s something we could use more of in politics. She has earned our trust, and she has earned our votes. I hope my fellow grandmas, mothers, and daughters will join me in supporting a true “girl’s girl” for state representative in MO House District 104.
Cathy Hesterberg is a resident of St. Charles County.
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