Missouri House of Representatives District 104 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Missouri, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Missouri House of Representatives District 104 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 104

Incumbent Phil Christofanelli defeated Gregory Upchurch in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 104 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Phil Christofanelli (R)	55.7	7,978
		Gregory Upchurch (D)	44.3	6,353

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,331
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Healthcare is a MUST!

Education is a Right!

If we do not take care of the environment, then the environment will take care of us!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Healthcare and voting rights!

These are two issues we voted on, as Missourians, and our legislature fails to implement our wishes. WE THE PEOPLE have spoken and I hink it is about time we are heard. I want to implement the things thay WE have already agreed to adopt.

I have additional blog thoughts: Upchurch4MO.com

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I think my grandmother was a true inspiration, who taught us about diversity and acceptance at a very yound age! We are all the same people and each deserves respect. Everyone has a unique background and set of principle upon which they were raised. Each person has a unique voice and perspective. Her favorite saying, "We are all the same, in the eyes of the lord".

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I write blogs on my website, www.Upchurch4MO.com, if you want to know where I stand.

1. missouriisforeveryone

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Honesty and integrity are the most important qualities a politician can have. After all, you are being hired by your constituents to do a job for them. I believe it important that they can trust you to do the job they hired you to perform. I like to be able to trust my employees and would think I were expected to do the same by those who chose me to do their bidding in Jefferson City. Honesty, integrity and sincerity are key.

Responsibility is another characteristic I find appealing in an elected official. The responsibility to be present and respond to inquiries are essential. I think it important to be in session, when session is meeting, and to vote accordingly. Being responsible to those who chose you to elect, is a successful notion I wish more politicians accepted.

Being humble never hurt anyone!

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I am an educated local who knows a great deal about the families and experiences in my district. I have grown up with many of these families who have remained in the same residences throughout our lives. I understand the wants and needs of the citizens of House district 104 and believe I could represent their interests better than anyone else in this race. I have the ability to reach across the aisle and get people talking about what they want and expect their government to be. I appeal to both sides of the political spectrum, because I am friends with people from both sides of the political aisle and understand that everyone has an opinion. Many of the opinions overlap in different ways and I am good about finding the middle ground and keeping the conversation alive and civil. I can command a room when necessary, but prefer to listen and find commonality. Everyone has a voice and I believe I would be a good collective voice for the 104th House district of Missouri.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

A core responsibility of this office is to be cognizant of those who elected you and what they want you to do. Being a representative of my constituents and a voice for my districts choices are the true responsibilities I pledge to uphold. Being willing to listen to those around you, while standing strong for those who elected you is monumental. I believe I am there to listen, represent and serve!

I know I will have the ability to introduce legislation, wanted by those of my district. I will also be there to fight or reject legislation, which is opposed by those who hired me. The key is to represent, and be open to, an integral method of doing the will of the people.

Trust and fairness will be the keys to my/our success?

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

The first historical event I remember was my grandmother winning "Illinois Mother of the Year" in 1971 and sitting on top of a float of roses, in the parade down the Main Street of her home town. I think I was three. It was a big celebration.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Shoveling snow and mowing lawns were my first attempts to make money. I am not sure I have ever stopped doing these things. My first job, I persued on my own as an adult, was as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. I held the position for eight seasons., with six seasons as the vessel engineer. My first season, I actually hitchhiked about 1000 miles through Canada to get there and lived in a tent for a month. I am not scared of much.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

The Governor is another branch, in the system of balance within Missouri politics. The Governor has a vision of how they would like to see the states operate. The Governor gets to set a policy that the office procresses toward and the legislature can either accept of reject it. In some instances, the legislature is a direct arm of the Governor, especially if they agree on the same policies. In other instances, the Governor is a balance check to a legislature with different beliefs. A strong legislature can override a Governor, whereas a weak one can only observe the outcome. Each has its own place in the workings of our governments overall productivity and I think our government works best when all three branches are having robust conversations about the direction the citizens want them to progress. Every elected official is there to represent the citizens who put them there and should respect their overall wishes. I do like the check and balance effect between the Governor and the state legislators and believe the "will of the people" will be heard. #missouriisforeveryone

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Healthcare! This country and state are sharply divided between what we think we desrve with healthcare and what we are willing to give, to extend healthcare to every citizen within the state. We voted in favor of Medicare expansion, yet the current state legislature is standing in the way of what the people overwhelmingly voted to implement. I think it is going to take a huge shift in the demographics of the legislature to get these agreed upon programs implemented. It will take time to make a definite shift toward the implementation of healthcare in Missouri due to the election process and length of time between elections. We must first change representatives before we can change policy. I think this should be a wake-up call to all Missourians, especially those who voted and were not heard. I believe that is about 70% who were completely ignored by our current representatives. Make that change!

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

The benefits of a unicameral legislature could mean for a swift passage of legislation. I see this as the greatest benefit. I also see this as the greatest problem. The bicameral system allows for more robust discussions and compromise. The more we debate an issue, the more clear the expectations of implementation and fairness. I prefer we keep two chambers of legislature.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I do believe it is necessary to have some exposure, whether through education or worldly experience. I do not believe it is absolutely necessary, but any experience seems to be better than no experience at all. With this being said, you are there to represent the population of citizens in your jurisdiction and should be there to express the wishes of your constituents as opposed to your own. Being in office gives you an opportunity to have your decisions on recored, for all to see. I think, if you are trusted by those who elect you, then your ability to do their bidding comes with their trust. This is a position of morality and doing the right thing. Elections have consequences and it is important to have a representative you can trust, especially a home grown candidate who has a passion for their community.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Gregory Upchurch (D)

We MUST be talking to each other. I have personal and professional relationship with candidates from both sides of the aisle and thing we should be talking about our diffferences and similarities. I think we have more in common than we have differences. Everyone wants to go straight to the differences rather than solve the obvious problems that everyday Missourians face. We need roads and clean drinking water (99% agree). Everyone wants their children to be safe, (100%) everyone! There are many quality of life things we can be accomplishing if we simply communicate with each other about the things we agree upon and focus on each others needs. We can do this, as caring and communicative people. We need each other to make this collectively work.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Rivers and state borders with no more than three staright lines connecting. Follow this pattern all across the state and we will have easy to understand voting regions. Up to three staright line ONLY. Rivers and state border lines can be used, but don"t count as up to three straight lines. Print out a Missouri State map and try it yourself! I know this sounds very simplistic, but it will stop a great deal of gerrymandering and arguemnets, especially during the time of redistricting. Drawing the maps should be for the convenience of voting and the citizens, as opposed to creating strong zones for each side. Election integrity should not be in question, especially with todays technology.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

Healthcare, Education and the environment.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I believe we are all individuals and will each act independently of the other. I do not believe it is my place to interpret and mimic another, but to be unique and genuine to those who chose to vote me into office as their representative. I think everyone should express their opinion and elect a representative who is reflective of themselves. I also think I should be myself, but as a mirror of my constituency.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I like to accomplish one thing at a time and assess situations as they arise. If a need arises, then I will listen and respond appropriately. This house seat is something I have been persuing for a while now and am looking forward to being there, for those who put me there. If those who put me there decide I should move, then I will consider it. I personally think it will be a great honor to represent the citizens of the 104th district and look forward to being a member of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I keep getting the same thing over and over. I usually consists of potential votes thanking me for "putting myself out there" and giving them a choice at the ballot box. I am finding that people want to voice their opinions and have decided that this is the year to do it and the ballot box is the place. I am finding a great deal of anxious people who are ready for change. Also, I like swapping stories as I am a local who can relate to their upbringing and standards. I personally know a great deal of people in my district, from our many years in the same community.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

This is a really broad question that I think I will reply about when there is a specific decision to debate. It depends on the emergency and the power given. I find this to be a case-by-case basis.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Gregory Upchurch (D)

I am one of those individuals who can not understand why we have trouble speaking to each other. There are many things we agree about and should get done, before we start debating the things on which we don't agree. Majority rules, so we should discuss what the majority wants and get it implemented. We have to get past the divide and start working together toward the common goals of citizens. The process of coming together, for a civilized debate, has eluded us and we must get back to open and respectful dialogue. If we can achieve open communication, then we can have a unity that is acceptable to the majority of Missouri citizens. WE can do this, together! #missouriisforeveryone

See also

More about these elections:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2022

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