Courtney Curtis

Courtney Curtis, a former Democratic Representative for Missouri’s 73rd District, was elected in 2012 to serve a six-year term, championing urban issues and advocating for minority inclusion in business. From 2013 to 2018, he actively represented several North St. Louis County municipalities, including Ferguson, Berkeley, and Normandy. Early in his legislative tenure, Curtis was named the Associated Students of the University of Missouri Legislator of the Year in 2013, an accolade that highlighted his emerging influence and dedication to addressing constituent needs within his district.

Demonstrating strong leadership, Curtis was appointed President of the Freshman Democratic Caucus and subsequently Chair of the Freshman Bipartisan Issues committee. His influence grew, leading to his appointment as Chairman of the Special Committee on Urban Issues in 2015—a notable distinction as he was the sole Democrat to chair a committee during that legislative session. Additionally, Curtis held active positions on the Joint Committee on Education, Rules – Legislative Oversight, and the Special Committee on Homeland Security. He championed several legislative initiatives in 2014, notably sponsoring HB1704, which aimed to establish the Missouri Tuition Equity Act, and HB1810, proposing the designation of June 1 as ‘Underrepresented Minority Contractor Appreciation Day.’ Throughout his time in office, Curtis advocated for critical social and economic issues, promoting greater inclusion of minorities in Missouri construction contracts.

He later pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, related to the misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses. In 2021, the legal proceedings concluded with his sentencing to 21 months in prison, alongside an order to pay restitution totaling $47,867.69.