Shereka Barnes

Shereka Barnes earned a high school diploma from Park Hill Senior High School and a bachelor's degree from Missouri Western State University in 1997. Her career experience includes working as an analyst.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Shereka Barnes is running for Missouri State Senate to bring accountable, results-driven leadership to Jefferson City. A proven public servant and advocate for working families, she draws on her experience in nonprofit healthcare and education to tackle the issues that matter most—public education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Serving on the Park Hill School District Board and having served on the board of Kids Win Missouri, a statewide advocacy coalition dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of Missouri children and families through policy and community engagement, Shereka brings a breadth of leadership experience to her campaign and is committed to practical solutions, responsible governance, and policies that strengthen communities across Missouri.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Shereka has spent over 35 years in the Park Hill School District—as a student, an engaged parent, and a longtime community volunteer. She is the proud parent of two grown daughters, a perspective that continues to inform her commitment to family, education, and community.

Shereka Barnes is a dedicated public servant and advocate for working families, committed to bringing practical, accountable solutions to Jefferson City. She draws on her experience in healthcare and education to tackle the issues that matter most—public education, healthcare, and cost of living.. In healthcare, she has worked closely with families navigating complex systems of care, witnessing the fi

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?

I know what it means to work hard and still worry about how the bills will get paid because I’ve lived it. As a single mom, I’ve sat at the kitchen table stretching every dollar, putting my children first, and going without so my family had what they needed. Lowering the cost of living is personal to me.

I’m running for the families doing everything right and still falling behind. Families should not have to choose between groceries, childcare, rent, or healthcare. I’m running to fight for working people who deserve relief and real support.

I’m a working mother, school board leader, and community advocate running to bring real-life experience and practical solutions to Jefferson City that make life more affordable for everyday families.Public education is personal to me. I’ve spent more than 35 years in the Park Hill School District—as a student, parent, and school board leader. As a former educator, I’ve seen firsthand how private schools can turn families away simply because they were not seen as the right fit. Public schools are different. They serve every child who walks through their doors, regardless of income, background, ability, or need. Every child deserves a good school, great teachers, and the support they need to succeed. I oppose school vouchers because they take money away from public schools and send it to private schools that can pick and choose who they accept. I’m running to protect public education and make sure every child has the chance to succeed.Healthcare is personal to me because I know what it means to rely on it. Without Medicaid, my daughters would not have had healthcare. I know what it feels like to worry about getting your children the care they need and how much it will cost. I know what it feels like to lie awake at night worrying about what happens if your child gets sick and you cannot afford the care they need. I also work in healthcare, where I help families navigate coverage, access, and care every day. I’ve seen firsthand how hard people fight just to be seen, treated, and cared for. No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor, filling a prescription, or paying rent. For me, healthcare is personal because I have lived it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that lowers costs for working families and protects access to healthcare. I support HB 186 to cap insulin costs because no one should have to ration lifesaving medication to afford basic needs. I’m also focused on tax policy that protects working families. I oppose HJR 173 and HJR 174 because eliminating the state income tax shifts the burden onto everyday Missourians through higher sales taxes while threatening funding for public schools, healthcare, and essential services. Public policy should make life more affordable, protect healthcare access, and ensure working families—not the wealthy—come first.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None yet. I am working on endorsements at this time.

Shereka Barnes did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Shereka Barnes did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.