Melissa Douglas is a Democratic member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 27 in parts of southeast Kansas City, including neighborhoods such as Candlelight Ridge, Strupwood, Sheraton Estates, Swope Park, Town Fork Creek, Foxtown East, Blue Hills, Citadel, Rockhill, and Brookside. Elected in 2024, she assumed office on January 8, 2025, succeeding Richard Brown, and ran unopposed in the general election. A lifelong Kansas City resident, Douglas is known for her advocacy for families and homelessness issues, having served 15-17 years as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison for Kansas City Public Schools. She currently serves on the Board of Freedom, Inc., and as the 17th Ward Democratic Party Committeewoman, and previously served on the board of the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness. Douglas is active in her church, Spruce Saint Matthew Baptist Church.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Southwest High School in 1994 ; holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Idaho State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix.
• Political Experience: Serves on the House Budget Committee, Professional Registration and Licensing Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety, Corrections, Transportation, and Revenue. Prior to election, worked extensively in education focused on homeless families.