Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones was born in Springfield, Missouri. She earned a high school diploma from Springfield Catholic High School, a bachelor's degree from Drury University in 2008, and a graduate degree from Drury University in 2012. Jones' career experience includes working as a board certified music therapist. As of 2024, she was affiliated with the American Music Therapy Association.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a devoted mother, experienced educator, music therapist, and small business owner in Missouri. With a Master's Degree in Music Therapy, I have successfully ran my business, Musical Bridges Music Therapy, for over 12 years, helping countless individuals across the lifespan. Alongside my business, I have shared my expertise as an adjunct music therapy professor at Drury University since 2012. I am a born and raised Missourian who has lived here majority of my life and I am ready to work for this state that I love and call home.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a mother, I want to work towards a Missouri that is a safe and inviting place to live and grow a family. If elected I will work to improve our public education system, increase access to affordable childcare, and assure fair wages, with the top earners paying their fair share. I will always lead with a focus on passing legislation that helps everyday working Missourians and their families, and I aim to work towards creating a state where children will choose to stay when they are grown.I believe all people deserve the right to be themselves, love who they love and make their own healthcare decisions. The government has no place in these matters and I will work to see that we correct the wrongs our past legislators have done, such as our total abortion ban, and I will work to see that we do not move any further backwards than we already have.I am committed to improving public safety. I was a Team Lead for my local Moms Demand Action chapter before running for office and I am a mother of two young children. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for our children and I want to work to make this state safer for everyone in it while also respecting our 2nd amendment rights.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am committed to improving public safety, supporting our public education system, improving healthcare access and affordability, securing reproductive rights, and improving Missouri's infrastructure.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Heather Cox Richardson. As an educator, I admire her so much and she has taught me so much throughout the years. I would also add Dolly Parton. As a musician, I have always looked up to her kindness and tenacity. She is just the best.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, inclusion and the willingness to cooperate and work with those who have differing opinions

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a therapist who has worked with a variety of people in a variety of populations over my career. I know how to listen and I have empathy. I have held leadership roles such as the Vice President of the American Music Therapy Association, I am a teacher and a lifelong learner. I am also an extremely hard worker who has worked since I was 16 with that first job at TCBY. Sometimes I worked two jobs while completing my college degrees. I do not come from money and have always been a regular middle class Missourian, so I know what it's like to worry about paying bills and trying to find affordable childcare. My experiences and my ability to get along with others I think can serve Jefferson City well.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the highest responsibility of someone elected to office is to listen to their constituents. Other core responsibilities are ensuring equal protection of our individual rights to each and every person they represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I just want to leave the world a better place for our children

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The biggest was 911. I was a sophomore in high school.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was shortly after I turned 16. I worked at TCBY across from Bass Pro in Springfield.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo. A friend gave my daughter this book before she could read and I read it to her. She eventually read all of the stories to me as she learned to read. It will always have a special place in my heart.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

All My Love by Noah Kahan

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don't think it hurts anything but I believe we need more representation that truly reflects who we are as Missourians. We need less career politicians so that we are better represented

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I do. Especially across the isle. Law makers need to have the ability to listen, cooperate and compromise. Not everyone can have their way, but we need responsible and professional people leading the way to find common ground.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The hundreds of stories I have heard from Missouri residents grieving from the loss of loved ones to gun violence in this state. Every single one of them have stayed with me and are a big part of the reason I am running.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Run for Something, Missouri AFL-CIO, PROMO PAC, National Organization for Women (NOW)-Missouri, National Women's Political Caucus-Missouri, Moms Demand Action (Gun Sense Candidate Distinction), Mental Health Now (Mental Health Candidate Distinction)

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Absolutely not. It has worked fine for decades. The current changes legislators are trying to make will disproportionately represent the will of the people. Lawmakers will have more power over the voices of the citizens which should always be avoided in my opinion. It should be one person, one vote, as it has always been.