Barbara Phifer
Barbara Phifer (Democratic Party) was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 90. She assumed office on January 6, 2021. She left office on January 8, 2025.
Phifer (Democratic Party) ran for election for Missouri Secretary of State. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Phifer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Barbara Phifer was born in Washington D.C.. Phifer's career experience includes working as a minister. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Cornell College in 1977 and a graduate degree from the Saint Paul School of Theology in 1980.[1]
Biography
Barbara Phifer was born in District of Columbia, and lives in Kirkwood, Missouri. Phifer graduated from David H. Hickman High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell College in 1977, and a master's degree in divinity from the Saint Paul School of Theology in 1980.[2][3]
Committee assignments
2023-2024
Phifer was assigned to the following committees:
2021-2022
Phifer was assigned to the following committees:
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2024
See also: Missouri Secretary of State election, 2024
General election
General election for Missouri Secretary of State
Denny Hoskins defeated Barbara Phifer, Carl Herman Freese, and Jerome H. Bauer in the general election for Missouri Secretary of State on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Denny Hoskins (R) | 57.7 | 1,677,902 | |
| Barbara Phifer (D) | 39.7 | 1,154,090 | ||
 | Carl Herman Freese (L) | 1.7 | 49,113 | |
| Jerome H. Bauer (G) | 1.0 | 29,012 | ||
| Total votes: 2,910,117 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Missouri Secretary of State
Barbara Phifer defeated Monique Williams and Haley Jacobson in the Democratic primary for Missouri Secretary of State on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Barbara Phifer | 40.9 | 146,562 | |
| Monique Williams | 34.4 | 123,386 | ||
| Haley Jacobson | 24.7 | 88,670 | ||
| Total votes: 358,618 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Missouri Secretary of State
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Missouri Secretary of State on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Denny Hoskins | 24.4 | 157,284 | |
| Shane Schoeller | 16.8 | 108,435 | ||
| Mike Carter | 14.3 | 91,956 | ||
| Dean Plocher | 13.5 | 86,757 | ||
| Mary Coleman | 11.3 | 73,024 | ||
| Valentina Gomez | 7.5 | 48,003 | ||
| Jamie Corley | 7.2 | 46,383 | ||
| Adam Schwadron | 5.0 | 32,388 | ||
| Total votes: 644,230 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Caleb Rowden (R)
Libertarian primary election
Libertarian primary for Missouri Secretary of State
Carl Herman Freese advanced from the Libertarian primary for Missouri Secretary of State on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Carl Herman Freese | 100.0 | 2,412 |
| Total votes: 2,412 | ||||
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Endorsements
State House
Barbara Phifer did not file to run for re-election.
2022
See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Incumbent Barbara Phifer defeated Gary Bokermann Jr. in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Barbara Phifer (D) | 62.6 | 11,355 | |
| Gary Bokermann Jr. (R) | 37.4 | 6,795 | ||
| Total votes: 18,150 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Incumbent Barbara Phifer advanced from the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Barbara Phifer | 100.0 | 4,690 | |
| Total votes: 4,690 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Gary Bokermann Jr. advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on August 2, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Gary Bokermann Jr. | 100.0 | 2,447 | |
| Total votes: 2,447 | ||||
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2020
See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Barbara Phifer defeated Anne Landers in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Barbara Phifer (D) | 56.7 | 13,858 | |
| Anne Landers (R) | 43.3 | 10,575 | |
| Total votes: 24,433 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Rick Perry (R)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Barbara Phifer advanced from the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Barbara Phifer | 100.0 | 7,544 | |
| Total votes: 7,544 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90
Rick Perry advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 90 on August 4, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Rick Perry | 100.0 | 2,259 |
| Total votes: 2,259 | ||||
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Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Barbara Phifer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Phifer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Barbara Phifer, a lifelong Missourian, former United Methodist pastor, and current State Representative running for Missouri Secretary of State. I’ve spent over 40 years in ministry, working in diverse communities and advocating for social justice, which taught me the value of integrity, fairness, and compassion in leadership.
My passion for public service led me to the Missouri House of Representatives, where I’ve worked to expand access to healthcare, defend public education, and protect the rights of women, voters, and marginalized communities. Now, I’m running for Secretary of State because I believe every Missourian deserves a government that works for them, not against them.
In this role, I will be a nonpartisan guardian of election integrity, ensuring our voting process is fair, transparent, and accessible to all. My commitment to clear ballot language and defending voter rights is driven by my belief that democracy works best when everyone has a voice. With experience as a legislator and a deep understanding of the importance of trust and transparency, I’m ready to serve all Missourians with integrity and accountability.
- As Missouri’s next Secretary of State, I will ensure our elections are free, fair, transparent, and accessible to every eligible voter. Missouri voters deserve clear, neutral ballot language that isn’t manipulated to push a political agenda. In the face of growing misinformation and attempts to suppress voter participation, I will fight to safeguard our democracy by expanding early voting, supporting absentee voting, and ensuring secure, nonpartisan elections. With my experience as a state representative, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to protect voters from disenfranchisement, and I’ll bring that commitment to every decision I make.
- I will defend Missouri’s public libraries and local control over them, ensuring they remain places of learning, inclusion, and free expression. Recent attacks on libraries and attempts to censor books threaten our core democratic values. I believe library boards, not politicians, should decide how to best serve their communities, and I will support policies that empower local decision-making. Libraries are essential hubs for education, access to information, and community engagement. As Secretary of State, I’ll make sure they have the resources and protections they need to thrive, free from political interference or censorship.
- I’m running to protect and expand the rights of all Missourians—whether it’s fighting for reproductive rights, supporting public education, or ensuring equal access to voting. When Missouri was the first state to enact a near-total abortion ban, I knew we had to fight back to restore reproductive freedom and protect women’s healthcare. As a legislator, I’ve consistently stood up for working families, women’s rights, and the LGBTQ+ community. I will bring that same dedication to the Secretary of State’s office, making sure our democracy reflects the will of the people, not political extremes.
I’m deeply passionate about protecting voting rights, defending reproductive freedom, and supporting public education. As Secretary of State, I will work tirelessly to ensure every Missourian can vote without facing unnecessary barriers and fight against efforts to suppress voter turnout. I am also committed to standing up for women’s reproductive rights, especially after Missouri's near-total abortion ban. Finally, I believe in strengthening public education by supporting our schools and libraries, which are vital to fostering an informed and empowered society.
The Missouri Secretary of State’s office holds a critical role in protecting the integrity of our democracy. Its most important function is overseeing elections, ensuring they are fair, accessible, and secure for all Missourians. This includes managing voter registration, certifying results, and ensuring every eligible voter can cast their ballot without unnecessary obstacles. At a time when trust in elections is fragile, this office must be led by someone committed to nonpartisan fairness, not political agendas that could undermine voter confidence.
A key responsibility of the office is writing clear, unbiased ballot language for constitutional amendments and initiatives. The potential for misleading or manipulative language is a real threat, and the Secretary of State must act as a neutral arbiter to ensure voters fully understand what they are deciding. Manipulating ballot language or pushing biased interpretations risks disenfranchising voters and weakening our democratic process.
Additionally, the office oversees public records, business registrations, and supports our state’s libraries—functions that require transparency and accountability. Missouri cannot afford a leader who would politicize these essential services. The Secretary of State’s role as a guardian of fairness and democratic integrity makes it one of the most important offices in state government, and it must be led by someone dedicated to upholding these values, not advancing partisan aims.
I would recommend a few key works that have deeply shaped my political philosophy, reflecting my lifelong commitment to justice, integrity, and service to others. One of the most influential essays for me is "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Written in 1963, during the height of the civil rights movement, it is a profound statement on the urgency of fighting for justice and equality. Dr. King’s words about the moral responsibility to break unjust laws and his call for nonviolent resistance resonate deeply with my own belief that we must always stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. His emphasis on justice, equality, and moral leadership continues to inspire my approach to public service.
Another John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage. This book highlights historical figures who, despite facing immense pressure, made decisions based on principle rather than political expediency. JFK’s message of courage in leadership mirrors my own belief that elected officials must prioritize the public good over personal or political interests. Leaders must be willing to act with integrity, even when it’s unpopular or risky.
In terms of television, The West Wing is a favorite because it offers a hopeful and idealistic view of public service. The show depicts the complexities of governance, yet consistently emphasizes the importance of integrity, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to bettering the country. Its portrayal of dedicated public servants resonates with my belief that politics, at its core, should be about improving lives and strengthening democracy.
Lastly, the film The Mission is a powerful exploration of justice, faith, and sacrifice, set during a time of colonial oppression in South America. Having spent years living in Uruguay under a dictatorship, I relate strongly to its themes of resistance and the moral struggles leaders face in fighting for what’s right. It’s a moving reminder that,
I believe the qualities that will make me a successful officeholder are integrity, dedication, and the ability to lead with empathy. Having spent over 40 years as a United Methodist pastor, I’ve built a career rooted in serving others and standing up for what’s right, even in difficult times. I understand the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and building bridges, which is essential in any leadership role.
As a state representative, I’ve proven my ability to navigate complex issues, advocate for the needs of my constituents, and prioritize fairness and transparency. My commitment to protecting voting rights, ensuring clear and impartial ballot language, and defending public resources—like our libraries—comes from a deep sense of responsibility to every Missourian. I don’t shy away from tough decisions, and I always lead with the belief that government should work for the people, not political or special interests.
These experiences have taught me that true leadership is about serving with honesty and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those I represent.
The first historical events I vividly remember are the JFK assassination and the civil rights lunch counter boycotts. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, I was right in the heart of it all. I was just a child when my mother took me to the lunch counter boycotts near where we lived. I remember watching people peacefully protest for the right to be treated equally—it was powerful and left a lasting impression on me about the importance of justice and standing up for what’s right. Not long after, I remember the shock and grief that swept the country when President Kennedy was assassinated. Both of these moments shaped my understanding of leadership, equality, and the urgency of public service.
The most important responsibility of the Secretary of State is ensuring the integrity and fairness of Missouri’s elections. This role is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it requires a leader who is deeply committed to nonpartisanship and transparency. Protecting the right to vote, ensuring secure and accessible elections, and preventing any attempts to undermine voter confidence are critical in a time when trust in our electoral process is being tested. Every eligible Missourian deserves a system that is free from political manipulation, with clear ballot language and equitable access to voting.
Another key responsibility I prioritize is overseeing ballot language. The Secretary of State must ensure that the language used on ballots is clear, neutral, and free of bias. Confusing or misleading ballot language can disenfranchise voters, making it essential that the person in this office is committed to providing voters with straightforward, accurate information.
Finally, supporting Missouri’s public libraries and ensuring transparency in public records are vital. Libraries are centers of education and free expression, and they should be protected from censorship or political interference. Additionally, maintaining transparent, accessible public records ensures that government remains accountable to the people it serves.
In all these areas, I believe the Secretary of State must act as a fair, impartial guardian of our democratic processes.
Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes
Missouri Women's Leadership Coalition
Missouri Women's Political Caucus.
Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council
MO AFL-CIO
Abortion Action Missouri
PROMO PAC
and many more!
I strongly oppose the proposed changes to Missouri's ballot initiative process. Our current system is one of the few ways that everyday Missourians can directly shape their state’s future, particularly when the state legislature fails to act on issues that matter most to voters. This process has been essential in protecting the rights of workers and defending access to healthcare, reproductive freedom, and other critical issues.
Labor unions and working-class Missourians used the ballot initiative to overturn harmful "Right-to-Work" legislation, standing up for the rights of workers when the legislature sided with corporate elites. The fight for reproductive rights in Missouri has become increasingly urgent since the state passed a near-total abortion ban. The ballot initiative process gives voters a powerful tool to challenge extreme policies that do not reflect the will of the majority. Any changes to this process—like raising the threshold for passing amendments—are designed to silence the voices of Missourians who are fighting for fair wages, reproductive freedom, and healthcare access.
Raising the threshold to 57% serves only special interests and powerful political elites. It’s no coincidence that these changes are being pushed after voters used the current system to expand Medicaid and protect workers' rights—two measures that were deeply unpopular with corporate backers but overwhelmingly supported by Missourians. These proposals aren’t about improving democracy—they’re about making it harder for voters to challenge laws that benefit the wealthy and well-connected.
The ballot initiative process is a lifeline for democracy in Missouri. I support an accessible, transparent process for all voters, not adding unnecessary barriers that would make it harder for Missourians to have their voices heard. We should be empowering voters, not restricting their ability to hold their government accountable.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Phifer’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Free and Fair Elections Open For Business Support Public Libraries |
” |
| —Barbara Phifer’s campaign website (2024)[5] | ||
2022
Barbara Phifer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Phifer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am the incumbent, first elected in 2020. I was a United Methodist pastor for forty years and retired in 2019. I am a progressive Democrat.
I am married, have five children and seven grandchildren.
I lived Uruguay for five years and I am fluent in Spanish.
I have served on there’s committees: public safety, ways and means, higher education and transportation.
- Women have a fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
- Robust public education is a crucial key to a healthy democracy.
- We need common sense gun control legislation.
I am deeply concerned about basic human rights for all people in our country. I work for legal protections for those who are marginalized, who need access to healthcare and a living wage. I work to protect our residents from gun violence.
We need to look comprehensively at the Missouri tax code in order to tax our residents equitably.
“The well-being of the people is the supreme law.”
The strong women I have known.
The pastors in Uruguay who, at great personal cost, fought against the authoritarian military regime of the 1970s and 1980s.
Desire to represent all people.
The election of John Kennedy. I was I. Kindergarten.
I worked in retail as a server in n high school and college. I learned a lot about people in those jobs!
Work together for the good of all people.
To create a social and political culture that attracts well-educated people to the State.
This is a hypothetical quesfor our context.
Not necessarily.
Yes. We learn from each other.
Non-partisan demographers.
They all can make life better for our people.
Depends on which kind.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Barbara Phifer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Missouri scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Missouri State Legislature was in session from January 4 to May 12.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Missouri State Legislature was in session from January 5 to May 13.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Missouri State Legislature was in session from January 6 to May 14.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
- ↑ Missouri House of Representatives, "Representative Barbara Phifer," accessed January 25, 2021
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 7, 2022
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Barbara Phifer’s campaign website, “Home,” accessed July 22, 2024
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Deb Lavender (D) |
Missouri House of Representatives District 90 2021-2025 |
Succeeded by Mark Boyko (D) |
 |
State of Missouri Jefferson City (capital) |
|---|---|
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