U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) participated in a private “fireside chat” at a Citizen Farmers event last week where he addressed artificial intelligence, national security and workforce development.
Moderated by Barrett Davie, co-founder of Citizen Farmers, the Nov. 20 event in Oak Brook drew more than 40 members and was described by executive director Chelsie Leffelman as an opportunity to hear directly from Washington.
“We just wanted to talk to the Senator about AI, the military, fighting against overreach by the federal government, the workforce and what’s gonna happen,” Leffelman told DuPage Policy Journal. “Do we actually have the workforce that we need in America, or is there something else that we should be doing?”
Schmitt discussed AI in the military and stressed the need for the U.S. to strengthen defenses and prepare for emerging threats.
“China is a very serious threat, and we need to be taking it more seriously,” Leffelman said. “With AI and drones, we are going to have to recalibrate our military, and we need to make sure that we are fully ready in America to defend ourselves.”
On workforce issues, Schmitt agreed with President Trump that the U.S. lacks sufficient tech workers to meet future AI demands.
“[Schmitt said] we do need to be bringing manufacturing back to America,” Leffelman said.
Leffelman also highlighted Schmitt’s approach to personal liberties during the era of forced COVID-19 pandemic protocols.
As Missouri attorney general from 2019 to 2023, Schmitt filed lawsuits challenging COVID-19 public health orders, including school mask mandates, arguing they exceeded the authority of un-elected officials.
“During his time as AG, it was important for him to fight against the COVID lockdown,” Leffelman said. “He really believes in having a strong line against government overreach.”
Schmitt also led Missouri in suing the Chinese government over the pandemic’s origin and impact, emphasizing the rule of law and limits of government authority.
These actions were central to his campaign for the U.S. Senate, where he was elected in 2022, succeeding Roy Blunt. Schmitt’s, whose political career has included service as Glendale alderman, Missouri state senator and state treasurer, also weighed in on contemporary domestic politics.
“The Democrats Schumer shutdown, we asked him, ‘Hey, what was up with that?’” Leffelman said. “He said that at first he didn’t really know what it was about, but it became very clear after the elections that it was about the elections, because as soon as the elections happened in New York and Virginia, people started coming across the aisle.”
He offered reassurance to conservatives about the political landscape.
“Also, [Schmitt] wants conservatives not to be worried about Trump’s poll numbers right now as well,” Leffelman said.
Citizen Farmers is a civic organization that seeks to recruit 10,000 “families of purpose” to increase public participation in American democracy.
“The crowd was made up of members of the Citizen Farmers, people investing in rebuilding the grassroots, always-on conservative infrastructure in our state,” Leffelman said.
Leffelman noted that the event was held for Citizen Farmers members, who had the opportunity to engage directly with the senator and ask questions.
“Citizen Farmers [members] were able to ask the Senator some questions,’ she said. “At the end, somebody offered to match whatever [campaign donations] were raised for Senator Schmitt.”
According to the group, civic engagement has declined in recent decades, creating political and community challenges. The organization focuses on developing future leaders, building member networks and promoting local participation.
“We have events like this almost every quarter for our members,” Leffelman said.
Leffelman, who became executive director in October 2025, oversees operations, member coordination and national recruitment efforts. She previously worked as a special education teacher, served as an elected school board member, managed multiple political campaigns in Illinois and held a regional management role at Empower Illinois, focusing on education and fundraising.
Members of Citizen Farmers attend a private Oak Brook event on Nov. 20, listening as
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt discusses AI, workforce development, national security, and government
overreach. (Chelsie Leffelman)
