Platte County Democrats Celebrate Victories!

Platte County Democrats won key races on November 3, joining a national Blue Wave to elect competent, conscientious and compassionate leaders to office.

It was Platte County Democrats’ best election outcome in decades, and showed that all the organizing, volunteering and community building over the past two years paid off in an amazing way.

“We’re turning Platte County blue and this election proved it!” said Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, who won re-election to her District 14 Platte County seat, defeating Frank Pendleton.

“Democrats flipped a House seat in southern Platte County and elected Democrats to countywide office. None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of Platte County Democrats,” Aune said. “We’ve proven we can win here, and we’re building the organization and momentum to make victories like these the rule, not the exception.”

Aune led the way in recruiting and supporting outstanding candidates throughout Missouri, as part of the Democrats’ successful and historic effort to eliminate the Republican Supermajority in the Missouri Legislature.

One of those excellent Democratic newcomers was Tracey Steele, who decisively defeated Republican Jerry Hickey in District 12, flipping that seat to Democrat.

“Our campaign was people-powered from Day 1 and we never could have executed our strategy without the many hours of work Platte County Democrats contributed,” Steele said. “I’ll forever be grateful.”

Mary McKenna won a hard-fought race for Platte County Presiding Commissioner, earning 51% of the vote against Republican Jason Maki (42%) and Independent Dale Brouk (7%). She becomes the first Democrat on the Platte County Commission in more than three decades.

“I am honored the voters of Platte County have put their trust in me, the first Democrat in 36 years to sit on the commission,” McKenna said. “I will honor their votes and bring the change they voted for to Platte County!”

Hans Peter defeated Republican Mary Calvillo (53% to 47%) for Platte County Clerk. He becomes the first Democrat to join the Platte County elective staff in many years.

“I want to say thank you to all the members of the Platte County Democrats who helped make my victory possible,” Peter said. “Without their support, advice and help I would not be in the position I am in and we would not have flipped Platte County blue. This victory is a credit to all our efforts and the hard work we put in to give Platte Countians true representation in Platte City.”

Platte County Democrats are proud of the races run by House District 13 candidate Jacoby Wynkoop and Senate District 34 candidate Shereka Barnes. Barnes was heavily outspent but came within 560 votes of defeating Republican Mike Jones, out of 66,000 votes cast, in a district that spans Platte County and part of Buchanan County.

Josh Smead ran a strong campaign for Congressional District 6, which spans multiple northern Missouri counties. He was defeated by Republican Chris Stigall, but Platte County was a bright spot. Democrats helped Smead carry the county 55% to 43%, cementing Platte County’s Democratic leadership in Congressional District 6.