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Ashley Cossins
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Ashley Cossins (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Missouri House of Representatives to represent District 131. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Cossins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Ashley Cossins was born in Great Bend, Kansas. Cossins earned a high school diploma from Parkview High School. Her career experience includes working as a small business owner.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 131
Incumbent Bill Owen defeated Ashley Cossins in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 131 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Bill Owen (R) | 76.0 | 15,781 |
 | Ashley Cossins (D)  | 24.0 | 4,997 | |
| Total votes: 20,778 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 131
Ashley Cossins advanced from the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 131 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ashley Cossins | 100.0 | 1,214 |
| Total votes: 1,214 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 131
Incumbent Bill Owen advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 131 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Bill Owen | 100.0 | 5,448 |
| Total votes: 5,448 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Iliya Matveyuk (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cossins in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ashley Cossins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cossins' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My husband and I own a small business that specializes in residential remodeling. I enjoy camping, being connected with Ozarks nature, and spending time with my rescue animals.
Over a decade ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis -- A chronic pain condition that impacts around 10% of women globally. Part of my journey to overcome infertility includes extensive testing and several rounds of IVF. My experiences as a rural Missourian navigating a complex health condition inform me in the fight for reproductive freedom, including access to contraceptives and life-saving procedures without risk of prosecution.
I serve as Greene County Democrats Committeewoman for my precinct, host a peer-led support group focused on infertility and pregnancy loss, and am a member or volunteer for various community-based projects.- Healthcare and reproductive rights are relevant to every single one of us. I am an advocate for reproductive freedom for all, with emphasis on reducing unnecessary harms from government overreach in private decision-making. Morbid injuries and traumatic experiences are being forced onto women left unable to receive care due to restrictive bans on life-saving procedures. These intimate, life-changing decisions should only be made between patients and providers. Funding for and education on preventative care programs is absolutely vital to support our most at-risk residents. Additionally, I aim to make mental health and addiction treatment services more affordable and easier to obtain for Missouri residents and their families.
- Environmental justice and protection is paramount to me. I advocate for stringent environmental and sustainability standards for corporations and manufacturers in order to preserve our most precious natural resources - especially clean water. State parks must be maintained and improved to ensure safe access and enjoyment for all. I also support development and implementation of rural recycling programs that will enable countryside residents to recycle plastics, glass, and metals more easily and effectively. These initiatives safeguard our water sources and the environment to promote a sustainable future for generations to come.
- I am confident that economic enhancement is possible through robust support for small businesses and family farms because of the pivotal role they already play in our communities. Supporting local agriculture ensures food security while small business growth brings forth employment and wealth opportunities. These, in addition to affordable, quality housing, are crucial for well-being of residents and future generations. I will work towards eliminating taxes on personal hygiene items and groceries to lessen cost burden on working families. Doing these fosters economic growth, equity, and resilience, ensuring a thriving future for all residents. Addressing the kitchen table issues will be a priority again if Democrats are elected in November.
Public school systems serve communities with significantly more than education. The possibilities and potential for students with fair access to well funded public school programs and extra curricular activities are endless, and I recognize the value public schooling has brought me, personally. Religious schools make up a significant portion of private school options available to rural Missouri residents, so I can clearly see the importance of protecting school funding from being directed towards private voucher programs.
Delegates and elected officials must display strong integrity and trustworthiness, along with empathy and a willingness to go the extra mile to serve the public. Voters select their delegates with an understanding that voter interests will be protected and that their delegate's votes cannot be bought. In any public service role, empathy serves as a bridge between different lived experiences and adds to perspective and understanding necessary to work towards solutions. These characteristics, together, form responsible and true-to-public representation that voters deserve.
My resilience is highlighted by hopeful optimism. Reflecting on challenging experiences fosters healing and imbues my life with purpose through helping others facing similar circumstances. I am confident that each experience equips me for greater achievements as I apply acquired knowledge and persistently move forward.
Representatives should do exactly that -- represent. Being chosen to illustrate and explain the concerns, values, and goals of our district during the formation or modification of policy is a privilege in our democracy. Understanding or being willing to educate oneself on the underlying gaps and discrepancies in policy is a must. Therefore, elected delegates must be willing to learn about and meet constituents where they are. Officials must also refuse to put their personal interests before those expressed by the public that they represent.
"HOT TO GO" by Chappell Roan is stuck in my head, with an honorary mention to "Pink Pony Club."
With integrity continuing to play a key role, collaboration and cooperation with other legislators is absolutely necessary in the sharing of perspectives. Empathy and compassion for others allows legislators to expand their understanding of others' experiences, in turn providing better representation for their district. Professional relationship building with other legislators is the only way that effective policy solutions can be made.
My complete focus is currently on the Missouri House of Representatives.
While waiting in line at a grocery checkout, a resident named Jane was describing the horrors her friend was facing after being diagnosed with cancer. Jane explained the severity of her friend's condition, and that earlier detection and diagnosis could have changed the course of treatment and her friend's prognosis. Jane said that her friend did not consistently receive necessary preventative testing and wellness exams because she was unable to afford time away from work to attend doctor appointments. When she was not working, she could not afford to pay for someone to watch her children during her exams.
Preventative and diagnostic healthcare saves lives, and I will do what I can to make getting to the doctor easier for parents and workers.
Preventative and diagnostic healthcare saves lives, and I will do what I can to make getting to the doctor easier for parents and workers.
Many voters I have spoken with wonder what can be done to reduce crime and improve security. Headlines about government corruption and public resource mismanagement are easy to find, every day. Transparency and accountability are necessary components for checks and balances
to function properly, and stiff penalties when violations of occur ensure the actions taken by government are truly for the good of the people. When governments are held accountable to the people they serve, it becomes easier to spot and act upon instances of corruption, criminal activity, and systemic injustice or rights infringement. Through transparency, accountability, and action, we are building public confidence around our government's purpose and value. These are necessary components for our government to effectively address concerns around crime, safety, and security.
to function properly, and stiff penalties when violations of occur ensure the actions taken by government are truly for the good of the people. When governments are held accountable to the people they serve, it becomes easier to spot and act upon instances of corruption, criminal activity, and systemic injustice or rights infringement. Through transparency, accountability, and action, we are building public confidence around our government's purpose and value. These are necessary components for our government to effectively address concerns around crime, safety, and security.
I oppose the blatant attacks being made on the initiative petition process and against the value of every vote. In instances where a supermajority maintains control of legislature, direct engagement through ballot initiatives is a right and responsibility of the public that must be protected in order for people to retain power over government and refute overreach.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Missouri House of Representatives District 131 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 8, 2024
Current members of the Missouri House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Jon Patterson
Minority Leader:Ashley Aune
Representatives
District 1
Jeff Farnan (R)
District 2
District 3
Danny Busick (R)
District 4
Greg Sharpe (R)
District 5
Louis Riggs (R)
District 6
Ed Lewis (R)
District 7
Peggy McGaugh (R)
District 8
Josh Hurlbert (R)
District 9
Dean VanSchoiack (R)
District 10
Bill Falkner (R)
District 11
Brenda Shields (R)
District 12
Mike Jones (R)
District 13
Sean Pouche (R)
District 14
Ashley Aune (D)
District 15
Kenneth Jamison (D)
District 16
Chris Brown (R)
District 17
Bill Allen (R)
District 18
Eric Woods (D)
District 19
Wick Thomas (D)
District 20
Mike Steinmeyer (R)
District 21
Will Jobe (D)
District 22
Yolanda Young (D)
District 23
Michael Johnson (D)
District 24
Emily Weber (D)
District 25
Patricia Mansur (D)
District 26
Tiffany Price (D)
District 27
Melissa Douglas (D)
District 28
Donna Barnes (D)
District 29
Aaron Crossley (D)
District 30
Jon Patterson (R)
District 31
Ron Fowler (R)
District 32
Jeff Coleman (R)
District 33
Carolyn Caton (R)
District 34
Kemp Strickler (D)
District 35
Keri Ingle (D)
District 36
Anthony Ealy (D)
District 37
Mark Sharp (D)
District 38
Martin Jacobs (D)
District 39
Mark Meirath (R)
District 40
Chad Perkins (R)
District 41
Doyle Justus (R)
District 42
Jeff Myers (R)
District 43
Kent Haden (R)
District 44
John Martin (R)
District 45
Mary Steinhoff (D)
District 46
David Smith (D)
District 47
Adrian Plank (D)
District 48
Tim Taylor (R)
District 49
Jim Schulte (R)
District 50
Gregg Bush (D)
District 51
Mark Nolte (R)
District 52
Bradley Pollitt (R)
District 53
Terry Thompson (R)
District 54
Brandon Phelps (R)
District 55
William Irwin (R)
District 56
Michael Davis (R)
District 57
Rodger Reedy (R)
District 58
Willard Haley (R)
District 59
Rudy Veit (R)
District 60
Dave Griffith (R)
District 61
Bruce Sassmann (R)
District 62
Sherri Gallick (R)
District 63
Tricia Byrnes (R)
District 64
Deanna Self (R)
District 65
Wendy Hausman (R)
District 66
Marlene Terry (D)
District 67
Tonya Rush (D)
District 68
Kem Smith (D)
District 69
Scott Miller (R)
District 70
Stephanie Boykin (D)
District 71
District 72
Doug Clemens (D)
District 73
Raychel Proudie (D)
District 74
Marla Smith (D)
District 75
Chanel Mosley (D)
District 76
Marlon Anderson (D)
District 77
District 78
Marty Murray (D)
District 79
LaKeySha Bosley (D)
District 80
Elizabeth Fuchs (D)
District 81
Steve Butz (D)
District 82
Nick Kimble (D)
District 83
Raymond Reed (D)
District 84
Del Taylor (D)
District 85
District 86
Jeff Hales (D)
District 87
Connie Steinmetz (D)
District 88
Holly Jones (R)
District 89
George Hruza (R)
District 90
Mark Boyko (D)
District 91
Jo Doll (D)
District 92
Michael Burton (D)
District 93
Bridget Moore (D)
District 94
Jim Murphy (R)
District 95
Vacant
District 96
Brad Christ (R)
District 97
David Casteel (R)
District 98
District 99
Ian Mackey (D)
District 100
District 101
Ben Keathley (R)
District 102
Richard West (R)
District 103
Dave Hinman (R)
District 104
Terri Violet (R)
District 105
Colin Wellenkamp (R)
District 106
Travis Wilson (R)
District 107
Mark Matthiesen (R)
District 108
Mike Costlow (R)
District 109
John Simmons (R)
District 110
Justin Sparks (R)
District 111
Cecelie Williams (R)
District 112
Renee Reuter (R)
District 113
Phil Amato (R)
District 114
Vacant
District 115
Bill Lucas (R)
District 116
Dale Wright (R)
District 117
Becky Laubinger (R)
District 118
Mike McGirl (R)
District 119
Brad Banderman (R)
District 120
John Hewkin (R)
District 121
Bill Hardwick (R)
District 122
Tara Peters (R)
District 123
Jeff Vernetti (R)
District 124
Don Mayhew (R)
District 125
Dane Diehl (R)
District 126
Jim Kalberloh (R)
District 127
Ann Kelley (R)
District 128
District 129
John Black (R)
District 130
Bishop Davidson (R)
District 131
Bill Owen (R)
District 132
Jeremy Dean (D)
District 133
Melanie Stinnett (R)
District 134
Alex Riley (R)
District 135
Betsy Fogle (D)
District 136
Stephanie Hein (D)
District 137
Darin Chappell (R)
District 138
Burt Whaley (R)
District 139
Bob Titus (R)
District 140
Jamie Gragg (R)
District 141
Melissa Schmidt (R)
District 142
Jeff Knight (R)
District 143
Bennie Cook (R)
District 144
Tony Harbison (R)
District 145
Bryant Wolfin (R)
District 146
Barry Hovis (R)
District 147
John Voss (R)
District 148
David Dolan (R)
District 149
Donnie Brown (R)
District 150
District 151
Steven Jordan (R)
District 152
Hardy Billington (R)
District 153
Keith Elliott (R)
District 154
Lisa Durnell (R)
District 155
Matthew Overcast (R)
District 156
Brian Seitz (R)
District 157
Mitch Boggs (R)
District 158
Scott Cupps (R)
District 159
Dirk Deaton (R)
District 160
Vacant
District 161
Lane Roberts (R)
District 162
Robert Bromley (R)
District 163
Cathy Loy (R)
Republican Party (108)
Democratic Party (52)
Vacancies (3)
