News Clip Joshua Shackles

With about 60 days before the general election in November, a candidate running for state representative in southwest Missouri has decided to suspend her campaign. Democrat and teacher Elizabeth Lundstrom announced that she would suspend her campaign in the 161st district. Last week to focus on her students and family during the pandemic, Lundstrom chose Joplin businessman Joshua Shackles to take over her spot on the November ballot and he was unanimously confirmed by local Democratic leadership to take on Republican Lane Roberts. Earlier this year, Shackles ran for Joplin City Council and was not successful. He's been outspoken at City Council meetings in favor of the city's mass coordinates. Shackles says he's looking to build common ground between southwest Missouri residents. This is a very red area of the state, but I believe that I will be a candidate that can listen to both sides. He goes on to say that this election isn't about his personal beliefs, but the voices of the community he serves have been elected. This is the first time that Shackles has run for statewide office.