Kansas City’s Alissia Canady plans to run for Missouri lieutenant governor
Former Kansas City councilwoman and mayoral contender Alissia Canady plans to file as a Democrat in the race for Missouri lieutenant governor, several sources confirmed to The Star Monday.
Canady served one term as Kansas City’s 5th District councilwoman before launching an unsuccessful 2019 primary campaign for mayor. She made a strong showing, placing behind then-Councilwoman Jolie Justus and now-Mayor Quinton Lucas with far less money to spend.
Though she did not advance to the June runoff, her plainspoken style earned her a loyal grassroots following. On the campaign trail, she spoke often of accountability, holding her opponents to their voting records
Canady grew up in Kansas City, worked full-time during high school and attended Park University for her undergraduate degree. She received a law degree from the University of South Dakota and served as an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County before getting elected to the City Council in 2015.
Should she win the nomination, Canady, would be the only woman of color running as a Democrat for statewide office in Missouri this year. She would also be the only Kansas City resident on the statewide Democratic ticket.
The only other Democrat to file in the race so far is Gregory Upchurch of St. Charles. Upchurch previously ran unsuccessfully for a state legislative seat, losing in the Democratic primary.
State Auditor Nicole Galloway of Columbia is the party’s presumptive nominee for governor.
Unlike many states, the lieutenant governor in Missouri does not run as a ticket with the governor, although sources confirmed Galloway encouraged Canady to enter the race.
The lieutenant governor has few constitutional duties, most notably presiding as president of the Missouri Senate and voting in the event of a tie vote. Upon the death, conviction, impeachment or resignation of the Governor, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the remainder of the term.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, took over when former Gov. Eric Greitens resigned in June 2018.
The current lieutenant governor, Republican Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City, was appointed to the job after Parson vacated the office to become governor.
Yinka Faleti, a former nonprofit executive, prosecutor and Army officer from St. Louis, is the only Democrat filed to run against Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican.
Former state Rep. Vicki England of St. Louis is the only Democrat filed to run against Republican state Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick.
Two St. Louis Democrats have filed to challenge Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt -- Elad Gross, a former assistant Missouri attorney general, and Rich Finneran, a former federal prosecutor.
Canady did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 11:55 AM.
