Today we’d like to introduce you to Justice Horn.
Hi Justice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised right here in Jackson County. I grew up in government housing in Independence before moving to Grain Valley to live with my grandmother. That’s where I learned resilience, discipline, and the value of community. In Blue Springs, I competed in track and wrestling, helping bring home back-to-back championships. Sports taught me grit — how to show up, work hard, and fight for something bigger than myself.
That drive carried me to the NCAA, where I made history as the first openly gay person of color to compete at that level. It was there I learned how to lead under pressure and stand firm in who I am.
After college, I came home to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration from UMKC, and I’m currently completing my Master’s in Public Administration. I had the honor of serving as Student Body President and now serve on several local boards, including the Blue Springs Board of Adjustment and the Jackson County Board of Zoning Adjustment.
I’m running for the Jackson County Legislature because this community raised me. I believe local government should work for working people — and I’m ready to serve the place that made me who I am. It’s time to build a countywide public transit system.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What makes our movement different is simple: we do the work and we show up. We knock doors every single day. And because this is an at-large race, every single resident in Jackson County gets to vote in this race. That means we’re not just campaigning in the easy places. We’re in small communities, lake communities, urban neighborhoods, and everywhere in between.
When I was knocking doors in Lake Tapawingo, I experienced a racist incident where I was questioned and followed simply for doing the work of meeting voters. My campaign literature was taken down. It was unsettling — but it was also revealing. It reminded me why representation and visibility matter. No one running for office should be made to feel suspicious for knocking on a door.
There have also been tense moments around public spaces like Lake Lotawana, where conversations about who belongs, who feels welcome, and how public resources are shared have come up – the cops where called on me for knocking the community. These incidents underscore something bigger: parts of our county are still wrestling with inclusion and equity.
But here’s the difference — we don’t retreat. We don’t skip neighborhoods. We don’t campaign only where it’s comfortable. We show up anyway. Respectfully. Consistently. Every single day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m a public servant and a community organizer. My work sits at the intersection of government, economic development, and equity — making systems work for everyday people.
I’m multiracial — Black, white, Native, and AAPI. I’m Gen Z. And I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ community. My identity isn’t a talking point — it’s part of how I understand this county. I know what it feels like to navigate different worlds, to build bridges, and to stand firm in who you are. That perspective shapes how I lead.
Academically, I’ve earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration and I’m completing my Master’s in Public Administration. I specialize in understanding how government actually functions — budgets, zoning, housing policy — and how to make it deliver results for working families.
What’s next?
As a Gen Z resident, I’m running to make history as the first Gen Z candidate for this office and to challenge an incumbent who has been in power nearly as long as I’ve been out of high school — close to a decade. But this campaign isn’t just about history. My big goal is a countywide public transit system that connects all 18 cities and towns in Jackson County, so everyone can access work, school, and opportunity.
I want to build a Jackson County that invests in infrastructure, supports working families, strengthens small businesses, and prepares us for the next century. I’m excited to bring new energy, new ideas, and a future-focused perspective to serve our entire community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justicehorn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforjacksoncounty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeHornforJC/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justice-horn-6b25181a7/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JusticeHorn_?lang=en
