Rep. Brenda Shields enters race for open Missouri senate seat  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Representative Brenda Shields (R-Buchanan) has filed to run for an open Missouri Senate seat after previously announcing she wouldn’t seek reelection in the 11th District last fall.  

“With Congressman Graves retiring, there was a shift in where everybody was running and I am feeling great and I thought it would be important to have an experienced legislator representing the 34^th senatorial district,” Shields said.  

Shields pointed to her eight years in the Missouri legislature and said she hopes to continue focusing on serving her community. 

She said she wants to keep building on the work she’s already been doing.

“Like bringing the medical school to St. Joseph, passing a comprehensive school safety bill for our students and educators, I think I bring the experience needed to be successful senator,” Shields said. 

She said her top priority is continuing to bring resources back to the district that support community growth—like backing the 139th, as well as the police and fire departments, and the city as a whole.  

“I am excited to represent and have the opportunity to represent in the 34^th senatorial district and in the Missouri legislature,” Shields said.  

Shields will face District 13 Rep. Sean Pouche (R-Buchanan/Platte), District 12 Rep. Mike Jones (R-Platte) and St. Joseph business owner Ryan Gerster in the August Republican primary.