Meet Patricia!

 In the heart of Missouri's 19th Congressional District, Patricia Hernandez stands for hope and resilience. Raised in a household where political events were a part of life since she was six, where her grandmother Angela was a delegate in the '70s, and her parents instilled the importance of civic engagement by taking her to Truman Days and to vote, Patricia understood the power of political action.

However, Patricia's journey to public service was not born out of ambition, but from tragedy and transformation. At just 17 years old, her cousin Dominic Antonio Hernandez's life was tragically cut short by senseless gun violence. Witnessing her family's grief and grappling with the harsh realities of gun violence, Patricia vowed to honor her cousin's memory by fighting for change.

But it wasn't just her cousin's tragedy that fueled Patricia's passion for change. It was also her sister, Angie who identifies as a lesbian, and who faced discrimination and uncertainty, especially during times of political turbulence. Patricia knew that representation mattered – that having voices like hers and her sister's at the table was essential for progress.

Driven by a desire to confront the social failures that had led to her cousin's untimely death, and to advocate for a future where every dream could flourish without fear of violence or discrimination, Patricia embarked on a journey of advocacy and activism.

Today, Patricia stands as a candidate for office, carrying with her the memories of her cousin's lost potential and her sister's resilience. With each step forward, she vows to be a voice for the voiceless, a champion for justice, and a beacon of hope for her community. For Patricia Hernandez, running for office is not just a political choice – it's a deeply personal mission to turn tragedy into triumph and to build a brighter future for all.

With deep roots in the first Hispanic-majority district of the state, she comes from a family that fought hard and considers themselves lucky to be proud homeowners for over 70 years. Her commitment is to represent the community where her roots run deep, and she currently serves on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus and the Samuel U. Rodgers Board. Additionally, she proudly holds the position of committeewoman for the 12th ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee.

Beyond Patricia's political roles, she boasts a strong background in community service. She served as the president of her neighborhood association and was an administrator for a non-profit addressing homelessness. Specifically, she worked at the "Beehive," a collaborative drop-in center project dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness. She now works for Metro Lutheran Ministry as the Program and Development Assistant. 

Patricia's passion lies in giving a voice to the underrepresented, and she is dedicated to being a symbol of progress, honoring her ancestors' legacy. Her political journey is driven by a desire to advocate for the community's needs and aspirations, making her the strongest and most dedicated candidate for the people she serves.