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Having reached her term limit in the Missouri House, has announced she will run next year for the state Senate.

Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, is taking aim at the  in northwest St. Louis County, a position that will be contested in August and November 2026.

Known for speaking her mind — often to the discomfort of both Republicans and Democrats — Proudie said she is ready to help the bigger population of a Senate district.

Proudie said north St. Louis County needs help, something it has not received in recent years from some of its representatives.

“We don’t have to live like this; we just don’t,� Proudie said.

Proudie said the best way she knows how to operate is by working with those who can help the area, not simply by “fighting.�

“I know some don’t take too kindly to that approach,� she said of politicians who place party allegiance before constituents.

“What good does it do to say ‘we fought,’ if you lose? We (Democrats) say that and then we get our teeth kicked in every election,� Proudie said. “And what do we have to show for it?�

The Senate district includes Ferguson, Hazelwood, Overland and University City and is home to St. Louis Lambert International Airport and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Proudie noted while it may include University City and other stable areas, “it also includes Kinloch and Berkeley.�

“And those people don’t care who your friends are or where you go to church. That’s just grandstanding,� she said. “They’re wondering where their food is going to come from.�

“For my district,� she said, “I want to bring home the bacon.�

Proudie first was elected to the state House in 2018 and then was easily reelected three times.

During her tenure, Proudie’s assignments have included stints with the budget, children and families, higher education and rules committees; as well as serving on joint committees on government accountability and public assistance.

One possible opponent for Proudie, 42, is state Rep. Doug Clemens, a 58-year-old Democrat from St. Ann, who has yet to declare.

Shante Duncan and Joseph Palm, two relative political outsiders, have already thrown their candidate hats into the ring.

The district is solidly Democratic and the winner of the August 2026 primary is all but assured victory in the November 2026 general election.

The Senate seat currently is held by state Sen. Brian Williams, who also has served the maximum eight years in that position.

Though Williams has not commented on the matter, several political sources say he is considering a run against St. Louis County Executive Sam Page in the Democratic primary in August 2026.

Proudie has begun raising money for her campaign and has scheduled a campaign kickoff for June 14 at the Communications Workers of America headquarters, 2258 Grissom Drive.