Gatewood announces candidacy for Missouri House
News-Press NOW
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Marine Corps veteran and retired St. Joseph police detective Paul Gatewood has announced his candidacy for the District 10 seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Gatewood will appear on the Republican ballot. He will bid to replace the current District 10 representative, Bill Falkner. Falkner faces term limits and will leave the House after the next session.
“Politics was never in the forecast for me,” Gatewood said. “However, I am increasingly concerned about what kind of future my children and grandchildren are inheriting. I want to ensure that Missouri remains a place of opportunity and prosperity under the guidance of traditional American values.”
Currently, Gatewood serves as the Evidence Unit Manager for the SJPD. He said he staunchly opposes any efforts to “defund the police,” and promises to work hard to ensure police departments and sheriffs’ offices across the state are well-equipped.
In addition to coaching youth sports, Gatewood has also volunteered as chairman of the Joint Veterans Committee and serves on the St. Joseph Museums Board.
“Being involved in local activities is both a pleasure and a calling,” he said. “I believe those who are blessed are to bless others—and I have been so blessed to be a father of eight wonderful children and a grandfather of nine grandkids.”
Thus far, the 10th District race has drawn plenty of interest. Earlier this year, Republican Skylar Smith and Democrat LaTonya Williams announced their candidacies.