The influential political action committee EMILY’s List has thrown its support behind Teresa Hensley in the competitive race for Attorney General.
Hensley, a former prosecuting attorney in Cass County, would be the first female attorney general in Missouri if elected. She’s running to replace Chris Koster, also a former prosecuting attorney in Cass County who is in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Jay Nixon.
See also: Can Eric Greitens Become Missouri's Next Governor?
EMILY’s List, the largest resource for women in U.S. politics and the most influential pro-choice political action committee, tells SLM its officially endorsing Hensley because of her lifelong fight for women and families.
“EMILY’s List is proud to support Teresa Hensley for her historic bid as attorney general in Missouri,” said EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock. “As Cass County prosecutor Teresa sought justice for child abuse and domestic violence survivors, dedicating her career to protecting those who are most vulnerable in our communities. She will ensure that Missouri women and families receive fair treatment before the law and protect the safety of all Missourians.”
Hensley is running against St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman for the Democratic primary in August. The winner will face off against the winner from the Republican primary, either Missouri Senator Kurt Schaefer or University of Missouri-Columbia law professor Josh Hawley.
Only four states have competitive races for attorney general this year, including Missouri. The races have been generally overshadowed by national elections, especially the presidential race. But Missouri’s race has drawn headlines recently after the Missouri Ethics Commission announced it would investigate Schaefer, who is accused of pressuring Mizzou to prevent Hawley from opposing him in the Republican primary.
Hensley already had the support of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce when she announced her candidacy in August.
“As a prosecutor, I want an Attorney General who understands the rights of victims and has the experience of seeking justice,” said Joyce in a statement.
She even has the support of a would-be opponent. Missouri State Senator Scott Sifton, who represents Affton, dropped out of the attorney general race just before Hensley announced her candidacy.
“Teresa Hensley has the prosecutor experience we need in our next Attorney General,” Sifton said in a statement. “Her experience as a prosecutor far exceeds that of the other candidates in the field.”
SLM reached out to Hensley's campaign and will update when we hear back.
Contact Lindsay Toler by an email at LToler@stlmag.com or on Twitter @StLouisLindsay. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
