In DC and across the country, too many real problems get chewed up by the left-versus-right machine. Instead of asking, “What fixes this?” politicians are pushed to prove they’re loyal to their side. The result is gridlock, finger-pointing, and the same problems coming back year after year. Missourians deserve better.

I’m a Common-Sense Democrat who grew up here and understands what matters in our communities: safe roads and bridges, reliable broadband, fair markets for farmers and small businesses, affordable health care, and schools that prepare our kids for real jobs. None of that should be a culture-war football. It should be basic governing.

The Cost of Point-Scoring

When politics becomes a team sport, the scoreboard replaces the toolbox. Research shows polarization fuels exhaustion and anger among Americans and makes it harder to pass important legislation. That’s not theory—we feel it on our farms, in our towns, and at our kitchen tables when problems go unsolved. We shouldn’t need a supermajority to fix a bridge or staff a rural clinic.

What I’ll Do Differently

When I’m your congressman, we’ll get back to solving problems together. That means:

• Start with the fix, not the feud. Define the problem in plain language and set measurable goals.
• Bring the right people to the table. Farmers, small business owners, nurses, teachers, veterans, and local officials—folks who live the issues every day.
• Work across the aisle with purpose. If an idea moves Missouri forward, I don’t care whose jersey it wears.
• Be transparent. Publish what we’re doing, what it costs, and how we’ll know it worked.
• Stay local. Keep decision-making close to the communities affected, and cut red tape that slows real work.

Pro-Missouri, Not Pro-Team

Polarization thrives on media outrage and primary politics that reward the loudest voices. We can answer that with steady, practical leadership. I will focus on bipartisan bills that deliver for rural Missouri—like expanding broadband, supporting county clinics and urgent care, strengthening workforce training, and protecting competitive markets so small producers aren’t squeezed out.

Here’s my commitment: I will measure success by what gets fixed, not by who gets credit. I will talk with anyone who’s serious about results. And I will always put Missouri ahead of party drama. When I’m your congressman, we’ll trade the loyalty test for a results test—and that will move our district forward.