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U.S. House · MO-05 · Democratic candidate · 2026

Emanuel Cleaver

Democratic candidate for Missouri's 5th Congressional District

Kansas City congressman and former mayor focused on affordable housing, consumer protection, public education and environmental safety.

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Portrait of Emanuel Cleaver
DistrictMO-05
OfficeCongress
ElectionNov. 3, 2026

Policy priorities

Where Emanuel stands.

Official position

Require clear gluten allergen labels

  • Supports requiring food labels to identify all gluten-containing grains, including barley and rye, as major allergens

Official position

Provide transit for returning citizens

  • Supports one year of free public transportation for eligible people leaving incarceration to reconnect with work, healthcare and education

Official position

Prepare toxic sites for climate risks

  • Supports requiring the EPA to account for flooding, extreme weather and other climate risks when managing Superfund sites

Official position

Invest in school civics programs

  • Supports grants for evidence-based civics education, prioritizing high-need schools, underserved students and rural communities

Official position

Raise wages alongside inflation

  • Supports increasing the federal minimum wage and linking it to inflation so pay keeps pace with basic living costs

Official position

Protect household energy assistance

  • Supports the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help families afford heating and cooling

Record and background

Record & experience.

  1. 2016

    Accomplishment

    Co-authored federal housing reform

    Helped write the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, which became law with bipartisan support.

  2. 2025

    Accomplishment

    Secured Parade Park rehabilitation funding

    Helped secure $15.5 million in federal grants for rehabilitation of Parade Park Homes in Kansas City.

  3. Since 2005

    Experience

    U.S. representative

    Represents Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in Congress.

  4. 1991–1999

    Experience

    Kansas City mayor

    Served eight years as Kansas City’s first Black mayor.

  • Experience

    Kansas City councilmember

    Served twelve years on the Kansas City Council.

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