WARRENSBURG — Republican congressional candidate Micah Beebe says the skills that helped him succeed in real estate are the same ones he would bring to Congress.
Beebe has joined the crowded Republican primary in an effort to flip Missouri's 5th Congressional District from blue to red. Due to the newly drawn congressional boundaries, he believes his Kansas City roots and real estate experience are precisely what the district needs.
Beebe grew up in northeast Kansas City and has lived there for most of his life. His father was a cab driver, and his mother homeschooled Beebe and his siblings after the Kansas City School District lost its accreditation.
Beebe and his wife married 17 years ago and have five children, three of whom were adopted from foster care. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for about a decade because of the poor job market in Kansas City.
After establishing his career and growing their family, Beebe and his wife returned to Kansas City to be closer to relatives. Beebe said he takes pride in being one of the only candidates from the Kansas City area.
"I would say I am the Jackson County candidate," Beebe said. "With everyone being outside of Kansas City, I think that's really important."
Beebe said the district has historically been centered in Kansas City, with Emanuel Cleaver representing it for over 21 years. Beebe said whoever becomes the Republican nominee should still consider the needs of Kansas Citians despite the changing congressional boundaries.
"If you do not have a Jackson County candidate, I think flipping this district is going to be very hard," Beebe said. "You need somebody where this is their actual home turf."
Because of the district's geography, Beebe said he plans to campaign in every community, including areas Republicans have traditionally ignored. He said meeting voters in Kansas City will be crucial to winning the general election in November.
Since returning to Kansas City, Beebe has continued his career in real estate and transitioned into commercial real estate. He said his business experience will allow him to be an effective member of Congress who works across the aisle.
"I have to be able to work with people and bring them together in order to get things done," Beebe said. "My experience in real estate really benefits me ... It is that mindset of making a deal and bringing people from both sides of the issue."
Beebe said one of the top issues facing the district is the economy. As a father, he said he is deeply concerned about the national debt and government spending.
Beebe said it is important to support small-business owners because of how difficult it has become to start a business.
Beebe also added he believes it is the government's responsibility to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to achieve the American dream
Beebe highlighted the impact of rural hospital closures. He said much of his understanding of the issue comes from his wife, who works in rural health care.
"More needs to be done in that area to save hospitals," Beebe said. "When a hospital closes in a rural community, those people lose access to lifesaving care."
While visiting Pettis County, Beebe said he heard concerns that legislation passed by the Missouri Legislature was not enough to address rural hospital closures. As a result, expanding access to rural health care has become one of his top priorities.
Beebe emphasized the importance of remaining transparent with constituents. If elected, he said he would do so by sending newsletters, connecting with voters on social media and hosting frequent town halls. He added that his real estate background has made him comfortable meeting with people from all backgrounds and listening to their concerns.
"I want to step into this position because I want to serve," Beebe said. "I want to make my country better and my community better. I want to serve the people from my community and make an impact."
To learn more about Beebe and his campaign, voters can visit beebeforcongress.com or use the contact information and social media links listed on the website.
