James Shackelford (Missouri)
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James Shackelford (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Missouri House of Representatives to represent District 16. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Shackelford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
James Shackelford was born in Liberty, Missouri. He earned an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma City University in May 2008. He was scheduled to graduate with a graduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in December 2020. His professional experience includes working as an ambassador/show troupe at the USO of Metropolitan NYC, and as an actor/union member at the Actors' Equity Association. Shackelford has served as a member and supporter of Northland Progress and as a volunteer and 2020 Gun Sense Candidate for Mom's Demand Action.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 16
Chris Brown defeated James Shackelford in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 16 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Chris Brown (R)  | 57.5 | 15,638 |
 | James Shackelford (D) | 42.5 | 11,567 | |
| Total votes: 27,205 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 16
James Shackelford advanced from the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 16 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Shackelford | 100.0 | 3,693 |
| Total votes: 3,693 | |||
| = 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 16
Chris Brown advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 16 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Chris Brown | 100.0 | 3,664 |
| Total votes: 3,664 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
James Shackelford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shackelford's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Hi, I am James! I was born and raised in and around the 16th House District and am a product of the Liberty Public School system. I served over six years with the USO Organization, traveling all around the world, giving back to our military community and their families. My USO experiences instilled a passion for giving back and led me to pursue a career in public service. I am currently a full-time graduate student at UMKC and am set to graduate this December with a Master of Public Administration degree. Personally, it would be an honor to represent my hometown community. I am running to bring a fair and balanced democracy back to Missouri, through servant leadership and people-first priorities. Regardless of political affiliation, I am striving to represent everyone in District 16. I intend to bring the voter's platform to Jefferson City and fight for it each and every day. I believe all Missourians deserve to have a government that puts the people first, period.
- All Missourians deserve to have a fair and balanced democracy, and a government that puts the people first, period.
- Regardless of political affiliation, we are all Missourians and Americans. I intend to be a public servant who leads with people-first priorities and servant leadership.
- I believe in our democracy. I also believe it is made stronger when we all get involved, and we should make getting involved in our democracy as easy as possible for all. We need elected officials in Jefferson City who believe in democracy.
I am personally passionate about Missouri's public schools, our students and our educators. I am passionate about making healthcare more accessible and more affordable. I am passionate about equality and human rights for all Americans. I am passionate about maintaining and strengthening Missouri's unions, standing with our hardworking union members, and also supporting our hardworking small business owners. I am also passionate about making our state and our communities as safe as possible, by passing common-sense gun legislation that respects the 2nd Amendment and encourages responsible gun ownership.
Personally, I look up to my grandmother, Marge Shackelford. She is the strongest person I know. She not only is a widow, we lost Grandpa Herb in 2006, but she has outlived 3 of her 5 children, including my father, Doug, all of which passed away at the age of 50. She was my rock during those times and remained faithful and strong. She did not let those painful losses change her positive outlook on life, and as a result, she carried our family through on her shoulders.
"Outside the Wire" by Jason Kander.
The capacity to listen and to respect all opinions, especially of those who disagree with us. The ability to do the right thing, no matter what, and to be an ethical role model for all citizens. Elected officials need to be honest, open, and transparent at all times. I encourage all officials to lead with servant leadership.
First and foremost, these offices were intended for public servants, and all those who are elected to them need to serve the public. Listening to the voters and striving to improve their quality of life, as well as being fair and impartial in all decisions. Elected officials need to be champions of democracy and need to make getting involved in democracy as easy and accessible as possible.
September 11th. I was eleven years old and in the 6th grade. I remember that day vividly. We were in our first class of the day, our homeroom class. The teacher was advised to turn the tv on, and within a few minutes, was advised to turn it off. We were all released early that day and my mom came to pick me up after lunch. I remember being glued to the tv all afternoon and evening that night.
My very first job was in Liberty, MO at the Planet Sub. I made sandwiches, worked the register, and delivered food inside the store. I had this job for just over 4 months, including the summer and the beginning of the fall semester. My favorite part was at the end of every shift, we were allowed to make a free sandwich for ourselves to take home.
Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." This book captivated me so much I actually read it straight through in one setting, in about three hours. The sense of adventure mixed with personal discovery is addicting, and it led me to read every book that Coelho has ever written. I highly recommend reading any of his books as your next selection.
The biggest struggle I have had to face thus far is the sudden loss of my father, Doug Shackelford. I was only 15 years old when a sudden heart attack ended his life, at 50 years of age. I was a sophomore in high school and was completely stunned. I was and still am very fortunate to have a strong circle of family and friends who have supported me every step of the way. Due to the support I had, I was able to overcome that adversity and turn an enormous negative into something positive. 2020 marks my halfway point in life, 15 years with him and 15 years without him. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him.
The first difference between the MO House and Senate is the size. There are 163 House members to only 32 Senate members. As a result, the way in which each chamber works is vastly different.
The main importance is our MO legislature is the fact the for over the past decade there has been a supermajority. Regardless of which party is in control, in our case it is the MO GOP party, a supermajority is not a fair and representative democracy. Especially in Missouri, in my opinion a true purple state, we need a government where all sides are represented fairly and where all stories have the equal chance to be heard and voted on.
The main importance is our MO legislature is the fact the for over the past decade there has been a supermajority. Regardless of which party is in control, in our case it is the MO GOP party, a supermajority is not a fair and representative democracy. Especially in Missouri, in my opinion a true purple state, we need a government where all sides are represented fairly and where all stories have the equal chance to be heard and voted on.
I believe it is more important for State Senators to have some legislative experience prior to seeking office. But for the State House, I agree that having any experience will better prepare someone for life in office, I do not believe it is required. Personally, I have very little experience in government or politics. We need elected officials who have experience in public service, and who will stand up for the people.
The greatest challenge we in Missouri face is defeating the supermajority and electing a legislature that fairly represents the voices of Missouri. I believe we will accomplish this, but it is going to take an enormous effort from all parts of Missouri.
The ideal relationship should and needs to be open and collaborative. The governor will have her/his agenda and the legislature will have theirs. They may not agree on everything, but at the end of the day, the goal needs to be on making progress in Missouri to improve the quality of life for all Missourians.
100% yes. Especially in Missouri, relationships are key in having co-sponsors and in striving to pass legislation. As a Democrat in our state currently, it is not possible to pass anything if every Democrat votes yes, we need the support of a large number of our Republican colleagues. Relationships, on a personal and professional level, are essential.
I would love to be on the Veterans, Transportation, Rules, and/or Higher Education committee.
Yes, I would. We have incredible leadership currently, leading the fight to build our state party. I would welcome any and all roles in the state party leadership.
Jason Kander.
I was on the phone with a neighbor/voter here in the 16th recently. He works in a local hospital and has been risking his life every day during this pandemic. He is one of 5 siblings who immigrated here at a younger age, like so many people do, in search of the American dream. He told me that all of his siblings, himself included, are now successful and working hard, with families and loved ones of their own. His story, and the story of his siblings, is a true American success story. I believe we as a country are stronger when we are more diverse, and when we are inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds. I am very grateful and proud to have the opportunity to represent him and this District.
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.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 28, 2020
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)
