WARRENSBURG — After 21 years representing Missouri's 5th Congressional District in Congress, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver said his experience and small-town roots have prepared him to continue serving the district despite its newly drawn boundaries.
Cleaver's district has historically centered around Kansas City, but after the Missouri Legislature redrew congressional maps and made the district more conservative, it now extends beyond Jackson County. While Cleaver is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination, he will likely face a competitive general election. He said his background serving both urban and rural communities makes him the right representative for voters across the district.
"If the intent was that I would be drawn into a district where I am alien to the way of life, they failed," Cleaver said. "I am fortunate to be someone who has deep urban and rural backgrounds."
Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas, and said his family struggled financially before moving to Wichita Falls after his father found a job. Growing up, he was surrounded by relatives who worked in agriculture and ministry, experiences that shaped many of his beliefs.
After earning a bachelor's degree in social work, Cleaver attended St. Paul School of Theology, where he earned a master's degree in theology. He later was assigned to a small Methodist church in Kansas City, where he grew the congregation from 27 members to more than 3,000 before leaving.
"All of my life experiences have been about working with people," Cleaver said. "I have served churches all through the state and country, including Warrensburg."
Cleaver said he decided to run for the Kansas City Council following a devastating flood in 1977. After winning that election, friends encouraged him to run for mayor and later for Congress, where he was first elected in 2004.
While campaigning, Cleaver said the concerns he hears most often from voters are affordability and support for agriculture. He said rising costs have affected everything from fuel to fertilizer for farmers.
"We are suffering in the cities and rural areas as a result of the worsening economy," Cleaver said. "People are worried about affordability."
Cleaver said Missouri is one of the nation's leading soybean producers and that recent trade changes involving China have hurt the state's ability to export soybeans. He argued that the issue could have significant consequences for Missouri's economy.
"We need to maintain our role as the breadbasket of the nation," Cleaver said. "Our economy could be wrecked in Missouri if we are not able to get our agricultural products to the rest of the world."
Housing is another issue voters frequently raise, Cleaver said. He said rising home prices have made it increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to purchase a house.
"Right now it is difficult to afford a house, and that is not the American way," Cleaver said. "We have to figure out ways to reduce the pain experienced by young people."
Cleaver said one of his proudest accomplishments in Congress was helping introduce the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which he described as the largest housing bill proposed since the 1960s.
He said he worked with Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., on the bipartisan legislation and would continue working with members of both parties if reelected. They both lead the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, where Flood is the chair, and Cleaver is the ranking member. Cleaver added that he has represented conservative rural communities in previous versions of the district and is comfortable campaigning throughout the new district.
Cleaver said his district previously included communities along Interstate 70, such as Oak Grove, Odessa and Higginsville. He has maintained strong relationships with many residents in those communities, particularly those involved in agriculture.
“If you go to any of those communities, they will tell you that I represented them well,” Cleaver said.
He said growing up in a small town gives him a personal understanding of the needs of many district residents. He added that, regardless of how the district is redrawn, his focus on community service remains unchanged.
"I am going to represent people no matter where I serve, and I am not going to ignore any part of the district," Cleaver said.
To learn more about Cleaver and his reelection campaign, voters can visit cleaverforcongress.com or call 816-561-2575.
