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State Representative, District 74

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    Jack Howard
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Maria A. Miller
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Marla Smith
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about and why?

What is your top priority for legislative action in 2027? Briefly discuss how you would address this priority.

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Age 48
Highest post-secondary educ B.S., University of Missouri–St. Louis, criminology and criminal justice
Occupation Founder and executive director, Our Lives Matter; community advocate; owner, Sunz Justice LLC
I am passionate about public safety, government accountability, education and supporting working families. After losing my brother in state custody and later losing my son and another brother to gun violence, I became an advocate for oversight, safer communities and youth opportunities. These experiences inspired me to turn grief into action and serve my community.
My top legislative priority in 2027 is strengthening transparency, accountability and public safety. As a stakeholder in Senate Bill 1509, "Larry's Law," I will advocate for prison oversight, violence prevention and support for youth, families and seniors. My journey from grief to groundwork inspires me to turn advocacy into action and help communities heal and thrive.
Campaign Email marlaformo.74@gmail.com
Age 55
Public elected offices held Board of Aldermen, Pagedale, 2005-2017; state representative, District 74, 2025-present
Highest post-secondary educ Some college
Incumbent? Yes
I am passionate about public education, workers' rights, affordable healthcare and economic opportunity. As a lifelong District 74 resident, retired court clerk, former alderperson and state representative, I have seen how quality schools, good jobs and access to healthcare can transform lives. I believe our government should invest in people and strengthen communities.
My top priority for 2027 is strengthening and protecting public education. Every child deserves a quality education and public schools should be fully funded before taxpayer dollars are diverted elsewhere. I will work with educators, parents and community leaders to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed and build a stronger future for Missouri.