Legislator Anderson resides in Blue Springs and has his entire life.
Jalen has been an activist and organizer since he was teenager and is also a caretaker for his disabled mother. He is 26 years old and has never held elected office prior to being elected to the Jackson County Legislature as an at-large member in 2018. He also serves as one of the youngest elected officials in the State of Missouri and is the youngest elected official in Jackson County.
Family
Jalen is a full-time caretaker for his disabled mother and was raised in Blue Springs by his single mother and grandparents. Jalen’s grandparents played a pivotal role in his life and helped structure his ideals and beliefs. Norman, a Postal Workers Union member and employee of the Postal Office at the bulk mail center in Kansas City, instilled in Jalen a strong work ethic and compassion and appreciation for the working person. Linda, a school teacher, taught Jalen the value of knowledge and compassion for those who are a part of the working poor and live in poverty. Both grandparents instilled in him a strong sense of duty to his community and a desire to make government work for the people.
Involvement
Jalen is a part of many community-minded organizations such as the Heartland Alliance for Progress and Job with Justice. He has also been active in the local political realm since his teenage years. Knocking on doors for then-Senator Obama during the 2008 campaign in Iowa, and knocking on doors and making phone calls for many candidates since. Jalen was elected to the Jackson County Democratic Committee in 2016 and again in 2018. He also serves on the State Democratic Committee and is on its Executive Committee.
Jalen has also served as Vice President of the Young Democrats of Missouri, Young Democrats of America National Committeeman and as a Young Democrats Judicial Delegate.
2021 Committee Assignments
- Health & Environment (Chairman)
- Public Works
- Rules