Jason Smith, who has represented District 8 in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, has drawn two challengers in the Nov. 8 general election for a new two-year term.
Smith, a Republican from Salem, will run against Democrat Randi McCallian of Newburg and Libertarian Jim Higgins of St. Louis.
Smith defeated Jacob Turner in the Republican primary election in August. McCallian and Higgins ran unopposed in their primaries.
Smith was first seated in Congress after he won a special election to fill a vacancy created when Jo Ann Emerson resigned. He then was re-elected to a full two-year term in 2014 and was re-elected in 2016, 2018 and 2020.
Neither Smith nor Higgins returned Leader candidate questionnaires.
After redistricting following the 2020 federal Census, District 8 now includes the eastern part of Jefferson County and extends south to the Bootheel and many counties west of there.
The pay for U.S. representative is $174,000 a year, plus allowances. The term is for two years.
McCALLIAN, 36, of Newburg describes herself as a “household CEO” and community organizer and volunteer. She and her husband, Chase, have two children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Drake University in 2008 and a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida in 2013.
Website: randimccallian.com
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
McCallian: I have nearly 20 years of experience working with children and families. I have been a program director of multi-state maternal and child health programs. I have experience in improving health care access, bringing down costs and improving outcomes. I am trained in disaster management response and volunteered for tornado relief in Mayfield, Ky. I also have nine years of legislative advocacy experience.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
McCallian: Our family, friends and neighbors in the district face the highest rates of poverty and food insecurity in our state. We’ve seen our economic opportunities dry up, our infrastructure is crumbling and we are dead last for life expectancy. I will bring our tax dollars back to open our hospitals, create more jobs and invest in infrastructure and affordable housing, something our current congressman doesn’t do.
According to recent polls, the majority of Americans want stricter gun laws. Do you support gun law reforms, and if so what changes do you support? For example, do you support raising age limits to buy guns, more stringent background checks, requiring waiting periods when buying guns, prohibiting types of guns, ammunition clips or ammunition?
McCallian: Most people in the district are responsible gun owners, and I count myself among them. Hunting and farming in our rural and wild district are a way of life, and firearms are a part of that. Like the majority of Americans, I believe in common sense gun safety that keeps our children, families and communities safe from accidental and purposeful gunfire. I support helping families obtain safe storage equipment, background checks, a required waiting period and appropriate age limits for purchases.
A majority of voters, both in Missouri and nationwide, say they favor abortion rights in some instances. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, what changes should the federal government enact, if any, concerning abortion rights?
McCallian: I will defend your freedom from government intrusion into your private life. I know that decisions made about your health care, your body and your family are best made by you, not your legislator. The federal government should protect our right to privacy and improve access to reproductive health care such as birth control, prenatal care, postpartum support and everything in between.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
McCallian: We deserve better than our out-of-touch congressman, and I want to see our district rise from being rock-bottom in the state. I will bring our tax dollars back to our district to invest in infrastructure and jobs, improve farm-to-table programs that strengthen family farms and communities, expand affordable internet and improve access to quality health care.