Government, Politics & Issues

Politically Speaking: State Rep.-elect Gunby On What Her Win Means For Missouri Dems

St. Louis Public Radio | By Julie O'Donoghue,

Published December 3, 2019 at 3:12 PM CST

State Rep. Trish Gunby, D-St. Louis County — State Rep.-elect Trish Gunby, D-St. Louis County, poses for a portrait in the St. Louis Public Radio studios.

State Rep.-elect Trish Gunby is the latest guest on Politically Speaking. The St. Louis County Democrat talked with St. Louis Public Radio’s Julie O’Donoghue and Jo Mannies about her victory in the 99th House District special election that flipped the seat.

Gunby defeated Republican Lee Ann Pitman to serve out an unexpired term in a district that takes in Valley Park, Manchester, Twin Oaks and parts of unincorporated St. Louis County.

Here’s what Gunby discussed with O’Donoghue and Mannies:

Gunby talked about how she plans to focus on voting rights issues after she’s sworn in to the House. Before she decided to run for public office, Gunby worked with others to challenge the state’s photo identification law.
She elaborated on her decision not to shy away from her views in favor of abortion rights and restricting access to firearms. Gunby said many Democratic voters in the district had been waiting for a candidate who champions their issues and principles.
Gunby discussed her strong support for LGBTQ rights, and added that she will support an effort to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s anti-discrimination statutes.
With Democrats winning governor’s contests in Louisiana and Kentucky, Gunby talked about how her party is making headway in historically GOP-leaning areas — including places like St. Louis County.

Gunby was a marketing professional for Citicorp and Purina. In addition to being involved with the St. Louis Area Voting Protection Coalition, she also served as the social justice coordinator with Manchester United Methodist Church.
She ended up raising substantially more money than Pitman in the 99th District special election. That seat became open after Jean Evans resigned to become executive director of the Missouri Republican Party.

Gunby will take office on Jan. 8, 2020.