Senator Barbara Anne Washington, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2024 to represent southeastern Kansas City and Jackson County in the 9th Senatorial District. Prior to being elected to the Senate, she served in the Missouri House of Representatives for three years.
 
Senator Washington proudly supports increased economic development in her district, including preserving the notable “18th & Vine” district. She also advocates passionately for increased funding for educational opportunities and universal health care for all. In her district, she regularly presents programs designed to bring attention to the importance of small business development, juvenile justice reform, minority mental health awareness, crime reduction and environmental preservation.
 
When she’s not advocating for her district, Sen. Washington volunteers with her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the St. James United Methodist Church; the Metropolitan Community College’s Board of Trustees; Urban Summit; Freedom, Inc.; United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City; and the Urban Neighborhood Initiative. 

In addition to her legislative duties, Sen. Washington is a practicing attorney who also possesses an MBA. She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia’s famed School of Journalism. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Avila University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
 
Senator Washington is a lifelong Kansas City, Missouri, resident. She has one daughter and two grandsons.

Prior Legislative Service: 
House of Representatives: 2017 - 2020

Statewide Committees:
Children's Trust Fund Board Member
Missouri Capitol Commission
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan – Board of Trustees
Missouri Food Security Task Force

2024 End of Session Report
2023 Community Service Directory