Editor's Note:
This statement was e-mailed after The Kansas City Globe's press deadline.
KANSAS CITY, MO —February 26, 2026-- "For the past seven years, I have served as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, guided by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Every vote and decision I have made has been rooted in my responsibility to the residents of the Fifth District and Kansas City as a whole.
I am aware of recent headlines containing egregious and misleading accusations designed to generate attention rather than inform the public. I have not been contacted by any federal officials regarding these accusations. Should I be contacted, I will fully cooperate. I remain confident in my track record, steadfast in my commitment to ethical leadership, and fully focused on serving Kansas City residents.
I appreciate the community’s concern and support for my family, but my greater concern is ensuring residents are not distracted by narratives that do not reflect the facts. The timing of this misleading headline is incredibly convenient. As I work to protect essential city services, preserve violence prevention funding, and continue investing in community partners who are making considerable strides forward, distractions only benefit those who would prefer we retreat from progress. That is truly unfortunate, given that we have much larger issues to focus on. Our public safety initiatives matter. Our neighbors experiencing homelessness need support. Our business community deserves continued growth and stability. These are my areas of focus, and my track record reflects that.
My focus remains clear: serving the residents of Kansas City with integrity. This seat has always belonged to them, and I will continue to serve and lead with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to supporting Kansas City as we continue to grow.
That’s what I call Ryana Parks-Shaw, working for you."