Kansas City, Missouri, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Hartzell Gray, a progressive activist and media figure, has announced his candidacy for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary. His campaign focuses on critical issues such as affordable housing, universal health care, and increased wages. Gray’s entry into the race heightens competition, particularly against the incumbent Emanuel Cleaver, who faces challenges from both Gray and Jordan Herrera, another candidate advocating for economic fairness. The looming threat of gerrymandering adds to the electoral stakes in Kansas City.
Kansas City – Hartzell Gray, a prominent media personality and progressive activist, has declared his candidacy for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District as the race heats up for the 2026 Democratic primary. His entry into the race adds a significant element to a contest that is becoming increasingly competitive.
The 5th District, which includes the urban core of Kansas City and its surrounding suburbs, has been represented by Democratic U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver since 2005. Gray’s campaign seeks to introduce a progressive populist approach to the political landscape, emphasizing crucial issues such as affordable housing, universal health care, and increased wages. He vocalized concerns about current leadership, arguing that many Kansas Citians are experiencing financial hardships due to rising living costs.
Launched in late July, Gray’s campaign was bolstered by an endorsement from the Progressive Democrats of America and an online petition advocating against gerrymandering efforts that threaten the integrity of the 5th District. This petition has achieved over 13,000 signatures, demonstrating significant grassroots support for his cause.
In addition to Gray, another candidate has emerged: Jordan Herrera, an attorney and U.S. Air Force veteran who has also worked in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Similar to Gray, Herrera is focused on economic fairness and improving housing affordability. He has claimed that his dismissal from the Attorney General’s Office was politically driven after he attended a rally advocating for veterans’ issues.
Both candidates are positioning themselves as viable alternatives to Cleaver, who has recently faced considerable criticism regarding the potential gerrymandering efforts targeting his district. These plans from the Republican Party aim to alter Missouri’s congressional map in a way that could diminish Democratic representation, impacting the political landscape of Kansas City.
Historically, Cleaver has maintained strong electoral support, recently winning over 85% of the vote against a Democratic challenger in the 2022 election. However, the threat of redistricting looms large, particularly as pressure from the Trump administration is mounting on Governor Mike Kehoe to pursue these changes favoring Republican interests in Missouri. Cleaver himself has condemned these pushes for redistricting as a direct attack on urban representation and a threat to democratic processes.
The implications of these primary elections, alongside external pressures for redistricting, carry the potential to significantly reshape the political landscape in Kansas City’s 5th Congressional District. As the race unfolds, the challenges newly emerging candidates present to established political figures will become increasingly apparent, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal election in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hartzell Gray?
Hartzell Gray is a Kansas City media personality and progressive activist who has announced his candidacy for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the 2026 Democratic primary.
What are the main issues Hartzell Gray is focusing on in his campaign?
Gray’s campaign focuses on issues such as affordable housing, universal health care, and increased wages.
Who else is running in the Democratic primary for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District?
Jordan Herrera, an attorney and U.S. Air Force veteran, is also running in the Democratic primary and advocates for economic fairness and housing affordability.
What challenges does Emanuel Cleaver face in the upcoming elections?
Emanuel Cleaver faces challenges from both Gray and Herrera, as well as the threat of gerrymandering efforts that could reduce Democratic representation in his district.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Hartzell Gray, Progressive activist and media figure |
| District | Missouri’s 5th Congressional District |
| Main Issues | Affordable housing, Universal health care, Increased wages |
| Opponents | Jordan Herrera, U.S. Air Force veteran and attorney |
| Incumbent | Emanuel Cleaver, facing potential redistricting challenges |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Missouri Residents Oppose Proposed Congressional Redistricting
Local Leaders in Missouri Fight Against Gerrymandering
Governor Kehoe Supports Gerrymandering in Missouri
Kansas City Families Fear Medicaid Cuts Amid Budget Revisions
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Article 1
- Wikipedia: Redistricting in the United States
- KY3 Article
- Google Search: Missouri news
- Kansas City Article 2
- Google Scholar: Missouri Congressional map
- Missouri Independent Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Congressional Redistricting
- KCTV5 Article
- Google News: Missouri politics
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
