Incumbent Ann Wagner, a Republican, is seeking her seventh term representing Missouri’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 5 and is facing three challengers – Democrat Ray Hartmann, Libertarian Brandon Daugherty and Green Party candidate Shelby Davis. The district, which was redrawn following the 2020 federal Census, now includes much of west and south St. Louis County, parts of St. Charles County and Franklin and Warren counties.
The term is for two years, and U.S. representatives are paid $174,000 per year.
Hartmann, Davis and Daugherty did not return a Leader survey.
Wagner, 62, of Ballwin graduated from the University of Missouri in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in logistics. She is married to Ray and has three children and four grandchildren.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Wagner: I am a workhorse, not a show horse. My accomplishments in office have benefited the district, our state and the country, but I will never forget I work for the people. It truly is an honor to serve the people of Missouri’s Second District. I view it as a calling, not a job. Exemplary customer service for the Second District is at the core of what I do as your representative.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
Wagner: Reducing crime and addressing inflation are needed. Missourians should be able to feel safe in our communities, and I wholeheartedly stand against efforts to defund the police. I am proud to have the endorsement of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police and will always support keeping dangerous criminals off our streets. Regarding inflation, Democrats’ out-of-control spending has Missourians paying more at the grocery store and the gas pump. I will end unnecessary regulations, cut spending and lower taxes for all working families.
What steps should the U.S. government take to address concerns about immigration and border security?
Wagner: Our open border is both a national security threat and a humanitarian crisis. The Biden-Harris administration has endangered Americans by failing to secure the border and by refusing to reinstate President Trump’s successful border policies. We need to build the border wall and end illegal catch and release.
What steps should the government take to address concerns about the economy?
Wagner: Inflation is no accident. Reckless spending by Washington Democrats set us on a path to the unaffordability we are seeing in our communities. Groceries are too expensive, the American dream of owning a home is unattainable and people want real leadership from Washington. I will focus on reducing the out-of-control and wasteful spending we see in the federal government. At a time when Americans are being forced to tighten their budgets to afford necessities, their government should be better stewards of their tax dollars.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Wagner: My record speaks for itself – I fight to keep our communities safe, protect the most vulnerable and make life affordable again. Specifically, I have been a leader in Congress to end human trafficking and ensure we have adequate funding for rape kit testing. It is imperative we protect our communities and bring criminals to justice. I will always stand for the people who make Missouri the greatest place to live, work and raise a family.