Part of Joan's Town Talks Live workshop series, Policy Matters gathered 50 people from across District 2 and who engaged in meaningful and civil conversation about the policies that affect their community. Together, attendees came to a consensus on what matters to them and which issues are a priority to address! These Policy Matters workshops are taking place across the District.

Town Talks Live! Presents: Policy Matters!

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<h2><a href="/34577634-3150-406c-bebc-de665402d0cb">Events &amp; Opportunities to Meet with Joan</a></h2>

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Democratic Club PresentationsChesterfield Township Democrats February 25th, 7 PM. Manchester Municipal Court (by Costco)Hannibal DEMO Days March 21st, 3 PM

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<h1 style="text-align: center;">Awards &amp; Accomplishments </h1>

Awards & Accomplishments

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<h3>Policy Matters! A Community Conversation</h3>An opportunity to redefine what a town hall looks and sounds like, and come to know what it is to have a representative who will listen to and represent you.

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<h2>1. Introduction</h2>Welcome to the website of the campaign of Joan VonDras, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Missouri’s 2nd District (the “Campaign”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).We value the trust you place in us when you visit our website or provide us your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you access our website <a href="https://vondrasforcongress.us">https://vondrasforcongress.us</a> (the “Website”) or otherwise engage with us (e.g., through our events, communications, volunteer or donation forms).By visiting the Website, interacting with us, or providing your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.<h2>2. Information We Collect</h2><h3>2.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide</h3>When you engage with us, you may provide certain personal information, including but not limited to:<ul><li>Name, address, email address, telephone number</li><li>Employer and occupation (when required for campaign-finance compliance)</li><li>Donation information (e.g., contribution amount, payment information processed by a third-party processor)</li><li>Volunteer information (e.g., interests, availability, background information)</li><li>Responses to surveys, event registrations, contact-us forms, or other interactions</li><li>Social media handles or profile information if you choose to interact with us through those platforms</li></ul><h3>2.2 Information Collected Automatically</h3>When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect certain technical and usage information, including:<ul><li>IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers</li><li>Date and time of access, pages visited, time spent, links clicked, referring URL</li><li>Cookies and similar tracking technologies (used to remember your preferences, enable analytics, and measure site traffic)</li></ul>We use these data primarily for internal analytics, site-improvement purposes, and to enhance your online experience.<h2>3. Use of Your Information</h2>We may use the information we collect for the following purposes:<ul><li>To respond to your requests or inquiries</li><li>To send you newsletters, campaign updates, event invitations, volunteer opportunities, and similar communications</li><li>To manage campaign operations, including organizing volunteers, processing donations, and complying with campaign-finance laws</li><li>To analyze site usage and improve our outreach efforts</li><li>To target campaign communications, including digital advertising (consistent with applicable law)</li><li>To maintain internal records and comply with legal obligations</li></ul><h2>4. Disclosure of Your Information</h2>We will not sell your personal information. However, we may disclose it under certain circumstances:<ul><li>To third-party service providers (e.g., web hosting, payment processing, email delivery, analytics) who are bound by confidentiality obligations</li><li>To comply with legal obligations or lawful requests by authorities</li><li>To disclose donor information (name, address, employer, occupation, donation amount) as required under Federal Election Commission (FEC) laws</li><li>In aggregate or de-identified form (for example, summary statistics that don’t identify individuals)</li><li>In the event of a campaign reorganization or asset transfer, where your information may be part of that transfer</li></ul><h2>5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies</h2>Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixels, local storage) to:<ul><li>Recognize you when you return</li><li>Remember your preferences</li><li>Analyze site traffic</li><li>Serve campaign-related advertising</li></ul>You may disable or block cookies through your browser settings, though this may limit your use of certain site features.<h2>6. Your Choices and Rights</h2>You have choices regarding how we communicate with you and how we use your data:<ul><li>Opt-out: You may unsubscribe from campaign emails at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link or through one of the <a href="/4d2a0a15-aa27-44c2-adbd-0c168df71da1#block-e1db0b9e-564b-4ec1-86c0-3e1aa3fe0d1c">contact methods</a> listed below.</li><li>Data access or correction: You may contact us to review, correct, or delete your personal information. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, subject to applicable campaign-finance recordkeeping requirements.</li><li>Please note: Donor information may be publicly disclosed under federal law and must be retained per FEC regulations.</li></ul><h2>7. Data Security</h2>We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no security system is perfect, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact us at <a href="mailto:privacy@vondrasforcongress.us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">privacy@vondrasforcongress.us</a>.<h2>8. Children’s Privacy</h2>Our Website and services are not directed toward children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it as required by law.<h2>9. Third-Party Links and Platforms</h2>Our Website may contain links to external websites or third-party platforms (e.g., social media sites). This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites; please review their privacy policies. We are not responsible for their practices.<h2>10. International Data Transfers</h2>If applicable, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. By using our Website, you agree to such transfers.<h2>11. Retention of Your Information</h2>We retain personal information as long as necessary to:<ul><li>Fulfill the purposes for which it was collected</li><li>Comply with legal obligations (including campaign-finance laws)</li><li>Resolve disputes and enforce agreements</li></ul><h2>12. Changes to This Privacy Policy</h2>We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the updated version on this page and revise the “Effective Date” above. Your continued use of the Website following any updates constitutes your acceptance of the changes.<h2>13. Contact Us</h2>If you have questions, comments, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please submit the form below or contact us at:

Policy

I will hold regular town halls and keep open lines of communication because your stories and the needs of our District will underpin decisions in Washington. I will work for you, not for special interests.

Be Accessible as Your Representative

Be Accessible as Your Represen

My Story

Safe & fair food supply for everyone

I will advocate for policies to expand access to quality healthcare, especially working to lower costs, and address staff shortages, through hiring incentives, to restore safe patient ratios. All communities shall have equal accessibility and quality services through enhanced health and mental wellness tools. Addressing the health and wellness of women and families is essential. Restore healthcare subsidies until a comprehensive bi-partisan plan is in place

Access to Affordable Quality Healthcare

Access to Affordable Quality H

People Not Politicians at the State Capitol

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Get off the sidelines and join us!

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If I have learned one thing in my years of public school teaching and living my entire life in the St. Louis region, it is that stories matter.&nbsp; Our own story shapes how we see our world and how we interact with one another.&nbsp; Listening to stories widens our understanding of others and connects us.&nbsp; And, it is the stories of our community that inspire me to represent this region at the highest level by running for Congress. Let's build a vibrant community and nation, together!

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Effective policy starts with a conversation, not a talking point. My career in education taught me that the best answers are found through curiosity and dialogue. I am committed to being a representative who values your perspective as an essential input for solving our district's toughest challenges. Your insights are the catalyst for the common-sense advocacy I will bring to Washington.

What matters to you?

What matters to you

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What matters to you?

<h2>Meet the Candidate</h2><h3>Monday, June 15th at 6 pm <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//St.+Louis+County+Library%E2%80%93Daniel+Boone+Branch,+300+Clarkson+Rd,+Ellisville,+MO+63011/@38.6017372,-90.5889736,17z/data=!4m16!1m7!3m6!1s0x87d8d59976f4935d:0x5725edf1fd605090!2sSt.+Louis+County+Library%E2%80%93Daniel+Boone+Branch!8m2!3d38.6017372!4d-90.5863987!16s%2Fg%2F11g9nlfq6z!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x87d8d59976f4935d:0x5725edf1fd605090!2m2!1d-90.5865783!2d38.6016541?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYwMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">Daniel Boone County Library</a></h3>Anne Wagner won't talk to you, but I will!

Event - Meet the Candidate

The VonDras for Congress team and District 2 constituents gathered at Almonds in Clayton to kickoff the VonDras for Congress campaign. Joan spoke about the importance of unity and the need to return to civil conversation. Others spoke in support of Joan and their belief in her ability to listen and act! Many committed to donate their time, money, and support to the campaign. We hope you'll join them! [LINK TO DONATE]

Vote Joan Campaign Kickoff

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<h2>Links</h2><ul><li><a href="/youre-invited.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">You're Invited.pdf</a></li></ul>

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Within our community, there is a deep well of hope, compassion, and desire to move past the rhetoric that divides us.

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/731b2a1c-a46d-4f14-ad7a-8453231bf29d/66099979-c5bc-4ad6-9e61-632a5376ccb7/66099979-c5bc-4ad6-9e61-632a5376ccb7.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=8&amp;sat=46&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=433%2C62%2C762%2C1133&amp;w=1500" alt="Joan walking with granddaughters" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" variant="base">I taught in this community for nearly 30 years. I know how vibrant we can be.I’m running as an advocate: for you, for your family, for your neighbors– for this community. The “aisle” is a fiction. We are united in our core principles.Public education is where the pulse of our democracy beats strongest. It connects this next generation to the virtues of our founding documents: the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. In these ideals, we honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives and livelihoods so that we can live in a just, free society.As citizens, we bear the responsibility to fulfill the promise of our Founders and work towards a more perfect union.<h4>I honor our Founders’ vision and sacrifices for our country.</h4><h4>I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.</h4><h4>I care about the kind of country my granddaughters will inherit. </h4><h4></h4>

Hope Well

I will focus on affordability and economic opportunity for every family. I will promote American manufacturing, protect union jobs, and work to position the American workforce to lead the future frontier of industry and technology. This work is essential for safeguarding the US dollar's status as the world’s reserve currency and to protect and create high-paying jobs right here in our District.

Build Economic Opportunity for All

Build Economic Opportunity for

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Joan Vondras - Tell Me You're Joking podcast thumbnail

<h3>Tell Me You're Joking podcast</h3>In a district that regularly is avoided by the current representative, Joan looks to approach this race with a message and strategy that not only addresses the actual issues constituents are facing, but promises to be accessible as an actual voice for the people.

Joan Von Dras interview by McGraw Milhaven

<h3>McGraw Milhaven interviews Joan on 550 KTRS</h3>

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About Joan

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Testimonials

Grandmother of a Former Student of Joan's

Cheryl Winston

Former 5th Grade student of Joan's

M. Hawthorne

Former Student

Noah

Clayton School District

Former Student

Parent of former student

Marianne Rosenthal

Mother’s Day Sentiment

Clay

Maggie Probert

Voices of American HERSTORY, NWPC STL

Rebecca Now

Clinical Research, BSN

Susan Finn

M.Ed, RD, LD, FADA, FANDFood and Nutrition&nbsp;Consultant

Connie Diekman

Testimonials

Get Involved

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Policy Matters! A Community Conversation

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<h3>Policy Matters! A Community Conversation</h3>Several Democrats are running in Missouri’s 2nd District, but Joan VonDras stands out. A former teacher and active citizen, she’ll bring our voice back to Washington. As a Constitutional Democrat, she’s ready to defend our rights. Join me in supporting her at <a href="http://VoteJoan.com" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-primary);">VoteJoan.com</a>. * Please use the Share buttons below to post this text and spread the word on social media!

News

We are faced with a myriad of challenges coming into 2026.Join me at our <a href="https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/events">Policy Matters Town Talks and other events</a> to explore ideas and solutions.

Joan's DC "To-do List"

“The Happiness of the People is the sole End of Government, So the Consent of the People is the only Foundation of it.”&nbsp; — John Adams, Thoughts on Government (1776)

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Bridging the Divide

It is time to have a representative who listens to her constituents.

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I believe in the Problem Solvers Caucus's ethos of prioritizing common sense and national needs over division. This bipartisan spirit has delivered critical community investments for roads, clean water, and high-speed internet. I will seek membership to advance common-sense solutions and ensure our District receives its fair share of funding and results.

Break Through Partisan Gridlock

Break through partisan gridloc

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Community Voices</h1>

Community Voices

Joan is a proud signatory of Take BAC Congress, a national initiative uniting more than 100 congressional candidates from 38 states around a shared commitment to government accountability and structural reform. The coalition supports measures aimed at increasing transparency and reducing conflicts of interest in federal office.

Latest Campaign Developments

I will seek a seat on the House Agricultural Committee using this position to strengthen our local producers and protect the integrity of our national food and water supply. Our region is a center for international agriculture and agribusiness and 43% of the market flows through it. Advocating policy that will help us adapt to an evolving climate will be the best path forward for our economy.

Ensure a Safe &amp; Fair Food Supply for Everyone

Ensure a Safe & Fair Food Supp

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Do you have a testimonial to share?</h2><a href="/85b504e4-6a12-40e3-a880-d1b813178d2e">Click here to add your testimonial for Joan!</a>

Student Testimonial Form

Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Whether you have a question about a policy position, a suggestion for a community event, a media inquiry, or just want to say hello, we’re glad you’re here. Use this form to reach out, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Your voice matters.

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Who represents you matters. Character matters.

Interviews &amp; Forums

MO 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary Candidate Forum flyer

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<h3>Joan answers community questions in this Democratic Primary Candidate Forum</h3>

Title graphic for Karen Maurer's 'Her Next Chapter' interview

<h3>From the Classroom to Congress: Karen Maurer Interviews Joan</h3>

<h3>Joan Speaks with Bosnian Panel on Bostel TV St. Louis</h3>

<h3>Heidi Glaus Interviews Joan on 550 KTRS</h3>Joan joins The Heidi Glaus Show with Josh Gilbert and Bob Ramsey.

<h3>Tell Me You're Joking Podcast</h3>In a district that regularly is avoided by the current representative, Joan looks to approach this race with a message and strategy that not only addresses the actual issues constituents are facing but also promises to be accessible as an actual voice for the people.

<h3>McGraw Milhaven Interviews Joan on 550 KTRS</h3>

Interviews

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Endorsements

Former State Representative

Mary Nichols

Photo of Ann Ross smiling at Joan's event

Past President of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Metro StL

Ann Ross

Immediate Past Mayor, Clayton, MO

Michelle Harris

Former Candidate for CD2, Epidemiologist, Columbia University

Nick Vivio

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Get off the sidelines and join us!

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Thanks for joining us!</h2>

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Constituent Additions </h2>

Constituent Requests and Ideas

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Community Feedback!</h2>Here's what people are saying after attending one of Joan's many events

Community Feedback

Build Economic Opportunity for All

Policy Matters Town Hall

Return Schools to Educational Excellence

Awards

Moms Demand Action - 2026 Gun Sense Candidate seal

Person's Title

2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

Moms Demand Action

Our representatives must be accessible

Workshop Banner

In the News

Hosted by the Indivisible STL, the Super Candidate Kickoff eSt. Charles and regional residents met with their 2026 political office candidates. Joan spoke at the event and engaged in conversation about their concerns and hopes for the future.

St. Charles Super Candidate Kickoff

My story begins with an adoption by Orville and Margaret Chandler. Both were educators: my mother, an elementary school teacher, and my father, a principal who opened seven schools in the rapidly growing Ferguson-Florissant community. I grew up there, too. From an early age, I learned the importance of integrity and the value of personal responsibility— values I saw modeled daily by my parents and which are essential to effective teaching. It impressed upon me the importance of positive leadership and the power of connection our schools provide.Policy that champions and invests in public education matters. Strong schools build stronger communities, and cultivate an educated electorate.School is where I met my husband, Roch. We were high school sweethearts. We were future-focused, finishing our college degrees with the help of existing loan programs and grants, as well as paying our way through part-time jobs. It was a clear, viable path to building our future. It's a path I now see vanishing for young families. Policy that supports robust student loan and grant programs — for college or the trades — matters. It builds a stronger community and economy by providing opportunities for mobility.Our wedding day was unforgettable for reasons far beyond the obvious joy— it was a profoundly emotional time because my father was battling a quickly-moving cancer. He would always get out of his bed and walk the hospital corridor with me. I didn’t think much of it at the time, until that day, when my father left the hospital and arrived at the church in a wheelchair, doctor by his side. He stood with me at the back of the church and, arm-in-arm, walked me down the aisle. It was the last day he walked, and he passed away just a few weeks later. His great act of love inspires me to this day.Policy that supports quality healthcare and makes it accessible for all matters. No family should have to choose between financial security and the care a loved one needs.Roch and I have stayed in St. Louis. I began my teaching career, while Roch founded an architecture firm that will be celebrating 30 years this year.Policy that supports small business matters. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and integral to a vibrant community.Together, Roch and I have raised two amazing sons, who each married and are raising their own families close by. Our family’s commitment to our community continues, as they raise our two granddaughters.Policy that supports young families matters. Families need access to affordable housing, quality childcare and equitable pay.I spent my career in the service of public education.&nbsp;I believe education is the foundation of our democracy.&nbsp;In nearly 30 years of teaching in Parkway and Clayton Schools, I’ve secured over a dozen public grants for staff development to enhance student learning and success. The last piece of professional writing I published was “Empowerment Through Talk: Creating Democratic Communities.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Policy that awards and incentivizes innovation matters. America is a country of innovation and ideas, many which have come through our institutions providing opportunity to do so.In all my years of teaching and listening to my community, I have heard first-hand from thousands of families about how our country can better serve its young people. That is why I am running for Congress— because I am committed to creating a vibrant future for our children.Our community needs to talk again. Democracy is about the exchange of ideas through civil conversation. We are losing our ability to talk with one another openly and honestly about governance. In response to this loss, I founded Town Talks Live, a series of free workshops around the St. Louis region hosted at local libraries and other public spaces. These events focus on how we begin to listen and talk to one another beyond party lines. As someone who loved teaching about the founding of our country, I know that it is through the exchange of ideas, embedded in civil conversation, that we come to fulfill our ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as we strive toward a more perfect union.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who represents us matters. Future-focused, solution-oriented policy is how we meet the demands of the challenges before us. Restoring our checks and balances matters. This is why I am stepping up!

Effective Date: 2026-01-01

Privacy Policy

To attract families and businesses, we must reverse Missouri's current standing of 31st out of 50. I will achieve this by championing the full funding of our education system to empower teachers and parents, while leveraging targeted Federal resources of the Department of Education to ensure every student is protected and has access to a free world-class education, pre-K through high school.

Return Schools to Educational Excellence

Return Schools to Educational 

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Awards & Accomplishments

Take BAC Congress Builds National Coalition of 100+ Congressional Candidates

2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

We are honored that our campaign has been awarded the 2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction. We remain steadfast in our commitment to championing policies and practices that reduce gun violence and protect our communities.