LaDonna Appelbaum

LaDonna Lynn Appelbaum is a Democratic member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 71 in portions of St. Louis County.

Born on February 10, 1967, in Harrison, Arkansas, Appelbaum grew up in Springfield, Missouri, attending public schools there. She moved to St. Louis in 1997 after college, worked in orthopedic medical sales, and started her own company in 2002, which she ran for eight years with deep involvement in healthcare policy. She met her husband Tom in 2001, married him in 2004, and they have lived in District 71 since before their marriage; they share a love for animals, including their pet Charlotte, and are active in community involvement. Appelbaum was elected to the Missouri House in 2018, winning 77% of the vote against her Libertarian opponent. Notable achievements include receiving the American Legion Award of Merit in 2012 for organizing the Welcome Home the Heroes Parade honoring Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and being nominated as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that year, where she was interviewed by John Oliver. She serves on committees including Health and Mental Health Policy, Rural Community Development, Corrections and Public Institutions, and Consent and House Procedures, and was appointed to the interim Committee on Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Education and Political Experience

Appelbaum graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, and was recognized as Student Athlete Trainer of the Year in 1994. Her political experience includes her 2018 election to the Missouri House of Representatives for District 71, where she continues to serve, focusing on health policy, veterans' issues, and community development.