Candidate Name:
James Shackelford
Candidate’s Preferred Pronouns
He, Him, His
What office are you running for?
State Representative – District 16
With which party are you running for office?
Democratic Party
Election Date
11/03/2020
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to bring a progressive, people-first mentality to Missouri and to my hometown. I was born and raised in and around my district, and it brings me immense pride to have the opportunity to represent the people and the place that raised me. Missouri is controlled by a GOP supermajority, and we have the opportunity to flip our district blue and end this extreme legislative control. Missourians deserve a fair and balanced democracy that puts their interests first, not the interests of a political party.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how do you propose helping?
The biggest issue in this community is having a representative voice stand up for them in Jefferson City. Our current Representative has missed a number of votes over the past year or more, and even if he was present for the votes, he would just be a yes man for the GOP party in our state. This district is full of teachers, police officers, autoworkers, and more. They deserve someone who will stand up for them and represent them each and every day.
How do we fix the partisan divide in our country and start working together again?
First and foremost, by listening. No matter where you come from and what you believe, you have a right to your opinion and how you got there in the first place. We need to show others that we respect them as people and to hear them out, not get angry or tell them they are wrong. We also need to focus on what is important, the public’s peace of mind and quality of life. No matter the political party, everyone has constituents back home. By putting their needs before ours, we will be able to find more common ground that will help a majority of Americans.
Who is your hero?
My grandma, Marge Shackelford. She is the strongest person I know, to this day. She has lost three children, my father included, and her husband, and through it all, still has an optimistic view on life, loves her family dearly, and has stayed solid in her faith. She has endured more than anyone should ever have to, and she is truly an inspiration.
What are your hobbies?
I am a Survivor fan, as well as an avid sports follower, go KC Chiefs! My wife Bety and I love our two dogs to infinity and beyond. I follow the news on a daily basis and enjoy reading biographies on American President’s and our world’s history in general.
What is the most recent book you read?
Barack Obama: Dreams from My Father
Do you have any kids/pets/talking houseplants?
Two doggos, Miles, an 11-year old Chihuahua mix boy dog, and Delilah, a 1-year old Shorki girl dog. They are quite the odd couple and they make our lives incredibly happy.
How can our readers get involved in your campaign?
They can learn more about us at our website. They can follow us on our social media platforms. They can share our website and our posts with their friends and families. They can sign up to volunteer, which there are many ways to do so, as well as donate to our campaign.
What question do you wish we’d asked, and what is your answer?
Why does your state need the support of DemCast and its supporters?
Missouri is controlled by a GOP supermajority. They can pass or block any bill they want, whenever they want. This is not a fair and balanced democracy, and it does not go towards the benefit of Missourians. If we flip our district, as well as 7 others in the MO House in 2020, we will end the supermajority, and we will take one huge step forward in having a fair democracy in our state once again.
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