My name is Ray Reed, and I am proud to stand before you today as the Democratic nominee for the 83rd House District of the Missouri state legislature, representing the vibrant suburbs of St. Louis. I am a Gen-Z progressive Democrat, and I believe with every fiber of my being that Missouri and America’s best days are still ahead of us — You see, my journey to this moment has been shaped by the people closest to me and the values they have instilled in me. My grandmother, a retired union worker for Anheuser-Busch, taught me the power of solidarity and the dignity of hard work. My mother, an early childhood educator, showed me the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in our future. My brother, who serves our country in the U.S. Navy, embodies the spirit of sacrifice and service. And my sister, a proud UAW union worker, exemplifies the strength and resilience of our labor force.

I have spent my entire adult life organizing in Missouri for causes that matter deeply to all of us: abortion rights, gun control, and criminal justice reform. These are not just issues — they are the very essence of our fight for justice, equality, and the preservation of our democracy.

Today, I stand before you not just as a candidate, but as a representative of a generation ready to lead. Our generation, the Gen-Z, has grown up in a time of unprecedented challenges and incredible opportunities. We are the generation that has faced school shootings, climate change, and economic uncertainty in the aftermath of the worst pandemic in 100 years. But we are also the generation that has embraced diversity, innovation, and a boundless sense of possibility. In Missouri, and across this great nation, young people are rising to the occasion. We are organizing, we are advocating, and we are voting. We understand that our voices matter, and we are demanding a seat at the table. This is especially true for young Black Americans, who have been at the forefront of the fight for social justice and equality.

We have seen what happens when we come together to demand change. We saw it in the streets of Ferguson, where the call for justice echoed across the nation. We saw it in the halls of Congress, where young leaders like Maxwell Frost, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Cori Bush are pushing for progressive change. And we see it in our communities every day, where activists and organizers are working tirelessly to make a difference.

This moment is not just about the future — it is about the here and now. It is about ensuring that every person, regardless of their race, gender, or background, has the opportunity to succeed. It is about fighting for a society where healthcare is a right, not a privilege; where our schools are safe and well-funded; where our streets are free from gun violence; and where our justice system treats everyone equally.

We have the power to make this vision a reality, but it requires all of us to stand up and be counted. It requires us to reject the politics of division and embrace the politics of hope — So, let us rise to this moment. Let us carry forward the legacy of those who came before us and build a future that is brighter and more just for all. Let us ensure that when the history books are written, they will say that in this moment of challenge, we did not falter — we thrived.

Together, we can and will make a difference. Together, we can and will create a more perfect union. We, a new generation of hope.