By Kathy Groob, Publisher of ElectWomen Magazine – Tracy McCreery didn’t let her local Democratic Party shut her out of an opportunity to run in a special election that was held Tuesday to fill an open House seat in St. Louis County Missouri.  No primary was scheduled when the House seat was vacated; it was left up to the Republican and Democratic Parties to select their nominee.  That’s when Tracy felt the door slam in her face.

The good old boys network didn’t stop Tracy from running, the long-time progressive Democrat filed as an independent and on Tuesday, she beat both of her Republican and Democratic opponents by gaining 44% of the vote and a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Despite her lack of a party label, McCreery energized voters who were motivated by her work as a former Planned Parenthood fundraiser and PROMO volunteer.  She had also worked for State Senator Joan Bray and Governor Bob Holden and knew well the political system for winning elections.

“I am thrilled to welcome our newest member who has shown the backbone to stand up with and for the progressive community in her hard fought victory against the hand picked Democratic candidate,” said House Progressive Caucus Chair, Stacey Newman.

For news coverage about Tracy’s election, click here.