The Jefferson Review Voters Guide

Special Edition

The Jefferson Review Voters Guide is designed to help voters hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent Jefferson County. Candidate answers are published as submitted so readers can compare responses in each race.

Editor’s Note: Candidate responses are not endorsements by The Jefferson Review. Answers are provided by the candidates and are shared for voter information.

Ashley Drury

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Brief Candidate Biography

I am a sixth-generation Missourian, a mom, and a substitute teacher running for Missouri House District 113. I was raised to value hard work and community, and I know firsthand the challenges working families deal with every day, like rising grocery and utility bills, public education concerns, and government responsiveness. I am dedicated to supporting and funding public education and backing policies that help local families and create new opportunities here in Jefferson County.

Why are you running for this office?

As a mom, substitute teacher, and working Missourian, I understand the challenges families face every day. Our community deserves a representative who truly gets those struggles and will work to make life more affordable, support our public schools, and keep government accountable. I'm running because our district needs a voice in Jefferson City that comes from the community, not a career politician. It would be an honor to serve my neighbors.

What experience best prepares you to serve in this role?

What prepares me most for this role is living the same life as many families in our district. I'm a working mother, homeowner, and taxpayer, so I know the challenges people face because I face them too. My experience comes from the community, not politics, and that's the perspective I would bring to Jefferson City.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing Jefferson County right now?

I believe affordability is the biggest challenge our community faces. Families are feeling the pressure from rising costs, and everything else - like housing, education, and job opportunities - depends on whether people can afford to build a good life here in Jefferson County. People should be able to live, not just get by, on one job. A full-time job should cover the bills, support a family, and help build a stable future without needing to work multiple jobs. My focus is on making life more affordable and making sure government works for the people.

How would you balance the needs of your district with broader statewide legislative priorities?

I don't think district and state goals have to be at odds. Strong communities make a strong Missouri. When we invest in good schools, strive for affordable living, and support economic opportunities in Jefferson County, we help the whole state succeed. My job is to bring my neighbors' views to Jefferson City and make sure statewide decisions reflect what people really experience at home.

What specific legislation would you like to sponsor or support during your first term or next term?

I would support legislation to adjust the funding formula and improving how our public schools get their funding. I would also support any legislation that would keep more of our tax dollars in our community. I would work to pass the 100% Disabled Veterans Property Tax and Homestead Exemption, which has stalled in committee several times.

How should Missouri address rising costs for families and seniors, including housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, and taxes?

Missouri can help with rising costs by focusing on areas where state government can make a real difference, like making housing more accessible, expanding childcare, investing in good jobs, and making sure taxpayer money is used wisely. Most importantly, we need an economy where working families can live on one job, not just get by. That's the goal we should aim for.

What role should state government play in supporting public safety, law enforcement, and crime victims?

State government should help keep communities safe by making sure law enforcement has the tools and training they need, and by making sure crime victims get the support they deserve. Public safety is not just about responding to crime, but also about preventing it through good schools, job opportunities, mental health services, and investing in our communities. The safest places are where people have both security and opportunity.

How would you protect local control while also ensuring state laws are applied fairly across Missouri?

I think the people who live and work in a community usually know what’s best for it. That’s why I believe local governments, schools, and communities should be able to make decisions that best fit their own needs whenever possible. At the same time, state laws should be fair for everyone in Missouri. The state should make sure the rules are clear, treat everyone equally, and support local communities instead of taking away their voice.

If I’m elected, I’ll make sure local leaders and residents can share their ideas before decisions are made in Jefferson City. The best answers come from listening to the people who are directly affected, and I want the state government to work with them, not stand in their way.

What are your views on school choice legislation in Missouri?

I support parents being involved in their children's education, but I believe our main responsibility is to make sure every public school is fully funded and ready to help students succeed. I'm concerned about moving public money away from public schools without the same accountability. As a substitute teacher, I've seen how important strong public schools are for students, families, and communities, and I think they should always be a top priority.

What transportation, road, or infrastructure concerns in Jefferson County should receive more attention from the state?

As Jefferson County grows, we need to focus more on road maintenance, traffic, bridge repairs, and roadway safety. Too many people spend a lot of time commuting, and better infrastructure is important for both safety and economic growth. I want to make sure Jefferson County gets its fair share of state transportation funding so we can meet today's needs and plan for the future.

Would you support legislation for a taxpayer Bill of Rights? Why or why not?

I support openness and responsibility in government spending, but I would want to review any taxpayer Bill of Rights carefully to make sure it doesn't stop Missouri from investing in public schools, infrastructure, and important services. We should focus on responsible budgeting and using taxpayer dollars wisely, not creating limits that could hurt our communities over time.

Do you support or oppose Right to Work legislation in Missouri? Why?

I do not support right-to-work laws because I believe they make it harder for workers to organize and negotiate for fair pay and benefits. When workers have a strong voice together, it helps raise standards for everyone, not just union members. I want to strengthen the middle class and make sure people who work full-time can support their families with dignity.

What is your opinion on work requirements for Medicaid or other public assistance programs?

I do not support strict work requirements for Medicaid because it's a health care program, and many people who get it are children, seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, or those facing temporary job barriers. Instead of adding more paperwork that could make people lose coverage, we should focus on job training, childcare, and support to help people move into steady work when they can.

How will you stay accessible and accountable to constituents after the election?

Being accessible and accountable is not optional for me. If elected, I plan to stay active in the community by holding regular town halls, going to local meetings, and making sure people can reach me directly, not just during elections but all the time. I want everyone to know they can contact me, be heard, and get a response.

Most importantly, I see this role as a responsibility to the community, not a position of power. If I make a mistake or hear from people that something isn't working, I will listen, make changes, and stay accountable. My goal is simple: to be a representative who shows up, listens, and always remembers who I work for.

Why should voters choose you for this role?

Voters should choose me because I bring the perspective of a working mom who understands what families are going through today. I'm running to make life more affordable, strengthen our public schools, and make sure government is accountable. I'm not a career politician. I live the same realities as my neighbors, and I will always put House District 113 and Jefferson County first.

Voters Guide Notice: This candidate profile is not a paid advertisement. Candidate responses are published as part of The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide and are presented in the candidate’s own words.

The opinions and statements expressed above are solely those of the candidate or campaign and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jefferson Review, its staff, sponsors, or partners. Publication of a candidate response does not constitute an endorsement.

Candidate responses were submitted through The Jefferson Review Candidate Voter Guide questionnaire. Responses are presented in the candidate’s own words and have not been rewritten by The Jefferson Review. Formatting may be adjusted for spacing, readability, or display.

Questionnaire Note: Candidates were invited to respond to the same questionnaire for this office. If a question was left blank, The Jefferson Review may mark that answer as “No response provided.”