Missouri Times, 225 Madision Street, Jefferson City, MO (2026)

09/13/2026

Join The Missouri Times tomorrow evening for our 7th Annual Roast, featuring Rep. Alex Riley as well as recognizing our 2026 class for 30 Under 30.

📅 Monday, Sept. 14 | 6:00 PM
📍 Missouri Soybean Association
734 S. Country Club Dr., Jefferson City

09/11/2026

“An Owensville native, Tyler has been involved in local politics since he was 10 years old volunteering for the Prop A campaign in 2018, which blocked right-to-work. In 2024, he helped his local state representative and family friend, Bruce Sassmann, win re-election despite Sassmann being targeted by anti-public school interest groups for voting against a bill that expanded school vouchers and charter schools into Boone County.

Tyler has been involved in over 30 winning local campaigns for state legislature and municipal offices. Tyler is currently serving as the campaign manager for Matt Vitale, who is running to flip the 96th House District.

Growing up in a union family, Tyler knows what Democrats need to win back working-class voters in Missouri and is committed to building power for Democrats across the state.”

Tyler was nominated by Chelsea Rodriguez, Principal of Bluebird Strategies

09/11/2026

“Trinity Crouch serves as Legislative Liaison for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, helping to protect Missouri farmers and ranchers like her father and brother. Trinity was raised with a strong work ethic on a diversified livestock farm in central Missouri and understands the challenges farmers can face with burdensome regulations and high costs of production. Her solid foundation in FFA and with public speaking led to a degree in Agribusiness Management, with an emphasis in Public Policy, from the University of Missouri.

Following a stint in Washington D.C., Trinity returned to her central Missouri roots to join the Missouri Department of Agriculture and complete her Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics. In the state Capitol, Trinity excels in making connections with legislators from both sides of the aisle while she carries the priorities of MDA and Missouri’s farmers and ranchers. Her rural background and agriculture foundation, combined with her outstanding education, serve her well in the halls of the Capitol.

This is just the beginning for Trinity, and I am excited for her future.”

Trinity was nominated by Chris Chinn, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture

09/11/2026

"Tommy Gilmore graduated from the University of Missouri in 2025 and began his career in Missouri politics working for Senator Burger in the Missouri Senate. During the 2026 legislative session, Tommy gained firsthand experience in the legislative process while working on constituent services and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Senator’s office.

Following the conclusion of session, Tommy joined the House Republican Campaign Committee, where he has gained valuable grassroots experience engaging directly with voters across Missouri. His experience in both the Capitol and on the campaign trail has given him a strong foundation in Missouri politics and public service at a young age."

Tommy was nominated by Hannah Beers-Sutton, Executive Director of HRCC

09/11/2026

“Taylee Soukup serves as Chief of Staff to Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, where she has established herself as a strong and confident leader, earning the respect of her colleagues and demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, Taylee served as then-Representative Nurrenbern’s Legislative Assistant before joining Governor Parson’s administration as a legal assistant. Most recently, she served as the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Taylee made an immediate impact upon arriving in the Senate, working across the aisle to refine legislation that provides college tuition awards to public safety personnel and their dependents. She has spearheaded Senator Nurrenbern’s policy agenda, helping advance legislation that honors fallen firefighters, allows women to obtain divorces while pregnant, and secures appropriations for organizations providing critical services to Missourians.

Since entering the Capitol, Taylee has brought a thoughtful, hardworking, and collaborative approach to her work. Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to make a meaningful impact on behalf of the constituents of District 17 and families across the state.”

Taylee was nominated by State Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, SD 17

09/11/2026

Sydni Jackson is a lifelong Missourian and the founder and owner of TJV Consulting, a St. Louis-based political consulting firm working with progressive candidates and values-driven leaders across the region.

Sydni has worked on campaigns in nearly every capacity, from communications and field organizing to campaign management and serving as a candidate herself. Her experience spans races at the local, county and state levels, giving her a broad understanding of campaign strategy and grassroots organizing.

Her involvement in politics began at an early age and grew into grassroots activism in 2016. In 2020, she was selected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention while running for Creve Coeur Township Democratic Committeewoman. She later served as West County Field Director for the St. Louis County Democratic Party and now serves as Senate District 24 Democratic Committeewoman.

Through TJV Consulting, Sydni brings her grassroots and campaign experience to helping clients build effective campaigns and engage their communities. In 2025, she helped elect the first Black woman to the Ballwin Board of Aldermen, adding another milestone to her growing career in Missouri politics.

Sydni was nominated by Chelsea Rodriguez, Principal of Bluebird Strategies

09/11/2026

“Steven Marion serves as the Legislative Director for the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI), steering the department’s legislative strategy and acting as the primary bridge between DCI and the Missouri General Assembly.

Before joining DCI, Steven built a strong foundation across state government, serving as Legislative Liaison for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) and as a Legislative Assistant in the Missouri State Senate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia College.

Whether he is analyzing complex regulatory policy, advising leadership, or collaborating with lawmakers and industry leaders, Steven brings a steady, collaborative approach to advancing Missouri’s regulatory and consumer protection goals.

Steven has a level of maturity and insight that is well beyond his years. He acclimated quickly to a state agency that regulates highly complex and intricate insurance and financial industries. He brings a tireless work ethic, remarkable graciousness, and an easy-going demeanor that makes him an absolute pleasure for everyone to work with.”

Steven was nominated by Angela Nelson, Director, Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance

09/11/2026

Remember to save the date for next Monday, as we host our annual roast! With this years special guest being House Floor Leader Alex Riley.

09/11/2026

“Riley Clinton is a Kirkwood native who is currently serving as the Campaign Coordinator on Fred Wellman’s campaign for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District, where his work spans communications and digital strategy, assisting campaign operations, and outreach across the district. Riley's great-uncle, Congressman Bob Young, represented MO-02 years ago, and Riley is honored to be working to help elect its first Democratic representative in decades.

Before joining Team Wellman, Riley worked on campaigns and organizing efforts across Missouri, gaining experience in grassroots field work, knocking doors, and talking directly with voters. Riley graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 2025, with a degree in Political Economy and minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies. After college, Riley chose to return home in part because he believes St. Louis and Missouri are too often underestimated. He believes the region can thrive again while continuing to move forward, and he hopes to spend his career helping make that vision a reality.

Outside of work, Riley can usually be found watching a Cardinals game or spending time at the lake in Warren County.”

Riley was nominated by Chelsea Rodriguez, Principal of Bluebird Strategies

09/11/2026

"Nate Vass in two words: high energy.

Nate is a student at Mizzou’s Journalism School studying Strategic Communications and the Mizzou Turning Point President, where he is constantly working to reach young people on campus and beyond for the conservative cause.

In the Spring of 2026 semester, he interned for Lt. Governor David Wassinger’s office before moving down to Lake of the Ozarks this summer to work for me at Missouri Maverick Strategies where he served overall as the Communications Director as well as the Account Manager for the State Senate campaigns of Sam Alexander, Lori Rook, and Ike Skelton.

Campaigns are full of long days. One of my favorite things about Nate is when I felt like our ground teams needed some encouragement, Nate was always the first to volunteer his Saturdays for check ins across the state. Nate is bright, gutsy, and perhaps most important, he is a fundamentally decent person, which is a rare quality in this business. I’m very proud to nominate him."

Nate was nominated by Sophia Shore, Principal of Missouri Maverick Strategies

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