Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on the Passing of Senator Jean Carnahan

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the passing of Missouri’s first woman senator and former First Lady Jean Carnahan.

“Missouri should consider itself extraordinarily fortunate to have had Jean Carnahan as a First Lady and the first woman senator in our state’s history. Personally, I consider myself extraordinarily blessed to have called her a friend for more than four decades.

“Most will say she was an inquisitive intellect, a selfless public servant, or a dogged defender of Missouri families—and she was certainly all of those things; but to me, she was a friend that could always be counted on, a relentless fighter for the less fortunate, and the loving matriarch of a family dedicated to bettering their community.

“When our state was consumed by darkness following the passing of her beloved Mel, she was a light that showed us the way forward; and when some saw no path ahead, she felt obligated to blaze a trail for others to follow. Because of her example, millions of Missouri girls know that they belong in the halls of power and the highest heights of government. That’s a monumental legacy worth preserving, and I intend to do everything in my power to ensure she receives the recognition she deserves.

“Today, my heart and prayers are with the entire Carnahan family as they mourn the loss of a Missouri legend. May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy be an inspiration to every generation of Missourians still to come.”

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.