Missouri AFL-CIO’s Stephen Webber announces Senate run in Boone County

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent

Columbia, MO – Stephen Webber, an attorney who serves as the Missouri AFL-CIO political director, has announced his candidacy for the newly redrawn State Senate District 19 in Boone County.

Part of Webber’s job at the AFL-CIO is encouraging union members to run for office in local school board and city council races and in the legislature. He stressed the importance of union members having a seat at the table.

“I decided to practice what I preach to other union members and step up to the challenge of running for office,” Webber told the Labor Tribune. “The laws passed in Jefferson City impact working conditions, our access to healthcare and the security of our families; we need to make sure working families have a Senator who is fighting specifically for us.”

Webber served eight years in the Missouri House representing Columbia. In 2016, he ran for the 19th Senate District seat and lost to Republican Caleb Rowden. At the time, the district included both Democrat-leaning Boone County and Republican-leaning Cooper County. The redrawn district only includes Boone County, where Webber won more votes than Rowden in 2016.

“With an extremist legislature that is taking power away from us, trying to divide us and hurting our families, we need new leadership that will fight back,” Webber said in a press release announcing his run. “As Senator, I will work with anyone to defeat extremism, ensure a quality public education for our kids, restore women’s right to choose, keep us safe and create more economic opportunity for all of our workers, students and small businesses.”

In an announcement, former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander said Webber is the patriotic leader the state needs to fight for working families and the foundation of democracy.

“No one has fought harder for Missouri Democrats than Stephen Webber and he has the experience, grit and work ethic to get the job done,” Kander wrote. “Stephen is one of the most impressive and best human beings I’ve known in my life. I know that I, and other Democratic leaders from around the State, are excited to do everything we can to help him win and flip this seat from Red to Blue.”

To donate to Webber’s campaign, visit secure.actblue.com/donate/webberforboone.