Democrat Katelyn Zach announces run for Missouri House seat in southwest Springfield

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Katelyn Zach, a Springfield "community organizer and advocate for working families," announced Friday, Aug. 1 she will campaign as a Democrat for a Missouri House District in Springfield currently held by Rep. Melanie Stinnett.

Stinnett, a Republican, was first elected to Missouri House District 133 in 2022, beating Democratic candidate Amy Blansit by about 400 votes, a margin of about 5 percentage points. Challenged in 2024 by Democrat Derrick Nowlin, Stinnett was reelected with more than 56% of the vote. She announced earlier this year she plans to run in 2026 for Senate District 30, currently held by term-limited state Sen. Lincoln Hough.

In her campaign announcement Aug. 1, Zach, who has worked as a legislative assistant in the state capitol, said she wants to "bring bold, compassionate leadership to Jefferson City, and to flip a seat that’s been out of touch with the needs of Missourians for far too long."

“I’m running because I believe every Missourian deserves a safe home, a great public school, access to affordable healthcare, and the freedom to make decisions about their own body,” Zach said. “The people of Springfield are done being ignored by politicians whose only goal is climbing the ladder in Jefferson City. We’re ready to build a future where everyone, not just the well-connected, gets a fair shot.”

District 133 covers parts of central and southwest Springfield, generally west of Campbell Avenue between Chestnut Expressway and James River Freeway.

Zach, who attended college in Springfield, said her campaign is focused on people, from youth and working families to small businesses, with the goal of "defending public education and reproductive rights to addressing the housing crisis and fighting for common-sense gun safety laws."

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“I’m here to represent every voice in our community, no matter your political party or background,” Zach said in the release. “I believe in leading with empathy, listening first, and fighting for solutions that actually help people.”

Her campaign committee, Citizens for Katelyn Zach, lists former state representative and Democratic candidate for governor Crystal Quade as treasurer. She has candidate sites on Facebook and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Democrat Katelyn Zach announces run for Missouri House District 133