Jackson County Democrats Statement on Republican Vote

September 9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Jackson County Democrats thank the Republicans who broke ranks and voted no on two of the most dangerous attacks on Missouri voters in our state’s history: a bill to strip away our constitutional right to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process, and a gerrymandering scheme designed to silence the voices of Kansas City and Jackson County.

But let’s be clear: there is no thanks for Speaker Jon Patterson.

As Speaker of the House, Lee’s Summit Representative Patterson had the power to stop these bills before they ever reached the floor. Instead, he chose to play politics—casting a meaningless “no” vote after allowing both bills to advance. That is not leadership. That is cowardice.

Jon Patterson stands for nothing. No one in Missouri bears more responsibility for these anti-democracy schemes moving forward than the man who controls what gets a vote in the Missouri House. Patterson could have protected Missouri voters. He chose not to.

Missourians deserve leaders who will stand up for their rights—not politicians who hide behind procedure and trick voters while our democracy is dismantled.