Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway nominated for national women’s political award

Missouri State Auditor and friend of Labor Nicole Galloway is one of six women nationwide who have been nominated for the Gabrielle Giffords’ Rising Star Award.

Sponsored by EMILY’S List, the award celebrates an extraordinary woman serving in state or local office who demonstrates the commitment to community, dedication to women and families and determination and civility that have been the highlights of former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords’ career. The Arizona congresswomen survived an assassination attempt in 2011.

“Nicole has fought tirelessly to hold the Missouri state government accountable,” said Stephanie Schriock, EMILY’s List president.

“Her initiative to create an online record of the state’s daily spending and revenue has set a standard for state auditors across the country. Nicole is a dedicated public servant who prioritizes transparency for Missouri’s working families.”

Galloway’s nomination states: “As Missouri’s watchdog for government transparency and accountability, Nicole holds public officials accountable to citizens, uncovering millions in waste and fraud. She has shined a light on issues that impact families, including college affordability and cybersecurity in schools.

“The only Democratic statewide office holder serving in deep red Missouri, Nicole has led on family-friendly policies such as paid parental leave. Earlier this year she became Missouri’s first statewide office holder to have a baby while in office.”

Galloway, who comes from a union family, was appointed to the state auditor’s position by former Governor Jay Nixon in April 2015, following the death of Tom Schweich. Previously, she served as treasurer of Boone County.

The public will choose the winner of the award. You can vote online at secure.emilyslist.org/page/s/20170407_website_RisingStarVote.

Founded in 1985, EMILY’s List is a grassroots community of five million members, which helps pro-choice Democratic women wage competitive campaigns and win. The organization recruits and trains candidates, supports strong campaigns, researches the issues that impact women and families and helps turn out women voters.