Senator Barbara Anne Washington

Barbara Anne Washington is a Democratic state senator representing District 9, which encompasses southeastern Kansas City and Jackson County in Missouri. A lifelong Kansas City resident, she was first elected to the Missouri Senate in 2020 and was re-elected in 2024. She is an attorney with a strong commitment to juvenile justice reform and mental health awareness. Senator Washington has one daughter and two grandsons.

Political Experience

Prior to her election to the Senate, Washington served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2017 to 2020, representing Jackson County's House District 23. In the House, she served as Minority Caucus secretary. She won her 2020 state Senate primary election by approximately 88 percent against Raytown Alderman Ryan Myers.

Notable Positions and Achievements

Senator Washington serves on multiple Senate committees, including:

• Vice-Chair of Progress and Development
• Standing committees on Economic and Workforce Development, Agriculture Food Production and Outdoor Resources, and Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety
• Joint committees focusing on Rural Economic Development, the Justice System, and Transportation Oversight

She is also a member of the Missouri Capitol Commission, the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan Board of Trustees, and the Children's Trust Fund Board. Additionally, she serves on the Select Committee on Equal Protection and DEI.

Senator Washington advocates for increased economic development in her district, particularly the preservation of the historic "18th & Vine" district. She champions educational funding expansion, universal healthcare access, small business development, crime reduction, minority mental health awareness, juvenile justice reform, and environmental preservation within her community.