By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th (or 5th if gerrymandered) District
Missouri Grown. Missouri Strong.
Missouri Grown Missouri Strong isn’t just a slogan—it’s my life. I’ve lived in Kansas City, Marshall, Jefferson City, and even abroad. I understand the needs of busy city neighborhoods and the realities of rural towns. Missouri is both, and so am I.
For twenty years, Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver has served this seat. At 80, he has decades of experience. My pitch isn’t about age—it’s about fresh energy, plain-spoken honesty, and accountability. Missourians deserve a representative who will meet them where they live—on the block, at the church supper, at the field edge—and say what needs saying. That’s what Missouri Grown Missouri Strong is all about.
An Honest Missouri Voice
I’m not just a rural candidate. I lived in Kansas City as recently as 2022, and I know the city’s priorities: affordable housing, reliable transit, good jobs, and safer streets. I also know what matters across Saline, Pettis, and neighboring counties: fair farm markets, urgent care access, real broadband, and predictable trade rules. Because I’ve lived both, I can bridge both. That’s the promise of Missouri Grown Missouri Strong.
No Lobbyist Gifts. No Selling Votes.
I will refuse lobbyist gifts, trips, and perks. I will not sell my vote to any corporation or special interest—especially when they want me to vote against Missouri families. Transparency is the only way to restore trust. It may bother career politicians in both parties, but it’s non-negotiable for me and for an honest Congress. Missouri Grown Missouri Strong means loyalty to the people, not to the lobbyists.
Experience That Serves Both City and Country
At Lincoln University in the College of Agriculture, I started at the Paula J. Carter Center on Minority Health and Aging, working with underserved urban and rural Missourians. Later, as a college outreach and web specialist, I kept leaders in Missouri and Washington up to date on research, extension, and funding needs. That work taught me how to advocate effectively for resources that improve daily life—from neighborhood clinics to on-farm infrastructure. It reinforced my belief in a Missouri Grown Missouri Strong future.
Missouri Grown Missouri Strong Priorities
Urban priorities: support affordable housing starts, invest in bus and rail reliability, expand youth jobs and training, back small-business corridors, and partner with communities for smart, constitutional public safety.
Rural priorities: stabilize farm markets and export lanes, protect local meat processors and co-ops, fund urgent care and county clinics, and finish last-mile broadband so kids can do homework and small businesses can sell nationwide. These goals represent Missouri Grown Missouri Strong values in action.
Plain-Spoken, Transparent, and Accountable
I’m a voracious reader and a pragmatic generalist. If I don’t know an answer, I’ll say “I don’t know”—then I’ll learn fast and follow the facts. I don’t want fame or fortune; I want accountability and a Congress that works. Missouri Grown Missouri Strong means showing up, telling the truth, and voting the district—not the donor list.
Why I’m Running
Missouri deserves better than politics as usual. We deserve a Congressman who knows what life is like in Kansas City neighborhoods and on Saline County farms. Someone who’s walked both paths, sees the big picture, and isn’t afraid to be blunt. That’s who I am—and that’s how I’ll serve. Together, we’ll make sure Missouri Grown Missouri Strong is more than a phrase—it’s a reality in Washington.
It’s time Missouri’s 4th (or 5th if gerrymandered) District had a representative who works for the people, not for lobbyists. Send a representative who is truly Missouri Grown Missouri Strong.
— Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th (or 5th if gerrymandered) District
Missouri Grown Missouri Strong is more than words—it’s my pledge to represent every Missourian with honesty and grit. With your support, we can take back our future and build a Congress that truly reflects Missouri values.