Metro East Matchup Depends on Turnout in Split District
Former Rep. LaToya Greenwood knocks on doors in St. Clair County Saturday.
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LaToya Greenwood was not in friendly territory.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon three days before Election Day, Greenwood knocked on doors in Mascoutah, a city of around 9,000 in St. Clair County that overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
In fact, Trump signs far outnumbered those of any other candidate in the community.
“It’s been positive at times and sometimes it’s been a little negative,” Greenwood said. “But that’s ok, we just keep going. We’re staying true to the message.”
Greenwood is locked in what is believed to be a close race to get her old 114th House District seat back, which she lost two years ago in a surprise upset by Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt).
We asked Greenwood what she’s doing differently in this race compared to the one she lost in 2022.
“This time is more about connection and building relationships when I’m going out and door knocking and answering questions on the spot and talking to them,” Greenwood said. “I feel very confident when I can talk to them about my legislative record and what I will do.”
Greenwood has been buying St. Louis broadcast television ads for weeks, but with numerous statewide races in Missouri and a lack of coverage of races across the river, Greenwood says this race may come down to who better spends their time on the ground.
“I’ve been campaigning since last year,” she said. “So, some of these touches are like three or four times. Here I am again, talking about the state representative race.”
Internally, local Democrats have expressed concern about early vote turnout among Black voters in the east side of the district. Greenwood said she’s not worried.
“We are going to continue to get out the vote, do all of our plans to get people to the polls, and I’m confident they’ll get there,” she said.”
Schmidt has often been considered one of the most endangered House Republicans in Springfield, told The Illinoize Saturday at a restaurant in his hometown of Millstadt he feels like the dynamics of the race have changed.
“When [President] Biden was at the top of the ticket, I was optimistic,” Schmidt said. “[Vice President] Harris became the nominee and I saw everything completely flip and she was surging. At this point, that’s not the case anymore. I feel like I’m gonna win.”
Schmidt sent most of his day Saturday knocking on doors in heavily Republican Freeburg, trying to convince GOP voters to get to the polls before Tuesday.
Democrats have, like in many races around the state this fall, been swamping Schmidt in negative attacks, including on abortion. But, Schmidt says, anyone who has paid attention has seen he’s carved out a very moderate lane in his first term in Springfield.
“Sometimes, all they know is that ad they saw and, unfortunately, that’s some people’s version of research,” Schmidt said. “When I get into a conversation with someone, I define myself as to where I actually do stand. And that conversation helps.”
“You need to listen to the entire district,” Schmidt said. “My voting record reflects that. Everybody has different wants and desires, but at the end of the day, they just want a better life for their family and themselves. I think we’re all more alike that way than different.”
Many expect a close race next week, one that could even extend beyond Election Day, but both are confident as the hours tick down.
“To win on Tuesday, we need high voter turnout,” Greenwood said.
Does she think she’ll get it?
“Yes, I do.” she said. “We’ll get there.”
“I’m confident,” Schmidt said. My confidence level is high. It was not always high.”
Read our previous reporting on the race here.
