In an effort to help our Branson Globe readers make informed decisions when going to the polls on election day, we submitted a list of questions to each candidate in all of the contested races in the upcoming Taney County and Stone County elections.
Each candidate received the same questions.
1. Give me a brief background on yourself, please.
2. What are three things that your campaign is based upon?
3. What do you feel are the top challenges that our area faces, and how do you plan to help with those challenges?
4. What makes you the best qualified candidate for the position?
5. Can you please give me a brief statement asking readers to vote for you?
Following are the responses from candidates in the race for state representative in Districts 156, 138 and 155, and the race for Missouri State Senate. Next week, we’ll hear from the rest of the candidates.
State Representative District 156
Carolyn Boss
1. My name is Carolyn Boss, I am a business owner and entrepreneur, a wife, Mom of three children and currently serving on the Branson School Board. I have had my own marketing business for over 20 years and transitioned into real estate in early 2020! I love serving our community on tourism boards and committees and now taking a step forward to serve them a great capacity of public service. The citizens of District #156 deserve the right to choose their Representative who listens and responds, professional and articulate to their needs and represents the region with the highest regard for each citizen, business, service and agency. I am a business owner who understands the challenges that we face, from year-round employment to tax policy changes that affect the growth of our future economy. My skill set as a business owner brings people together to find common ground to move a project forward. I have the reputation of getting things done and fully expect to collaborate with colleagues in the House and Senate to find solutions to problems that our constituents have said are important to them. I have the top ten most important needs of our community gathered from community leaders and officials, clergy and the citizenry, which will always be on my person to keep those needs top of mind.
2. The top three things that are important to giving our district a choice on the Republican ballot are - protect our Constitutional rights, protect our children and seniors, and call for government transparency and less red tape that thwarts our ability to thrive and grow. I believe in the idea that THE TIME IS NOW. What do I mean by that?
We can’t wait two more years to see our community's shared values reflected in Jefferson City. I’m running to protect our most vulnerable—our children and seniors. We need to make online platforms safer for kids and shield our seniors from scammers. I believe in pro-family values—protecting the unborn, and defending our constitutional rights like free speech and the right to bear arms. I’m also passionate about economic development and ensuringour community thrives with new jobs in tech, manufacturing and tourism. And finally, I support a strong education system with local controls over curriculum and decision making that gives an educational platform for everyone in the district. All children need an education and the parents have the choice to choose what is best for their children. I want to make sure that the public option is where they trust to educate and prepare their child for the future.3. The top challenges that face our community are the tax burden and inflationary constraints that are making it difficult for our district. The transparency of the taxes and where those dollars are going, is important to our district, and with all the current changes, the biggest question is “how will that affect the other taxes we pay?” I want to bring back the town hall discussion to our district, so they have a voice and place to ask those questions and get answers. I stand with no new taxes and to audit the tax code to make sure the taxes we pay are valid and funding the services that we as a district want funded.
Another challenge that has been a topic has been at the front of my mind as I’ve been serving on the Branson School Board for the last two-plus years is the protection of our kids in this digital age of technology advancements. In today’s digital age, our kids are more exposed to online dangers than ever before. From predators to inappropriate content, the internet can be a dangerous place for young minds. That’s why I’m committed to making online platforms safer for our children. I will support laws that make algorithms transparent so they cannot target our kids with explicit materials. We need to ensure that our children can explore and learn online without being exposed to harmful content.
Protecting our children also means standing up for the unborn. I believe in the sanctity of life and will advocate for legislation that protects the rights of the unborn. Every life is precious, and life begins at conception. By the same token, we as a community need to rally behind and support young parents in our community so that they have the resources and encouragement they need to raise healthy, happy children. Thank you for your support. Together, we can create a safer, brighter future for our children.4. I have served the community in many ways with integrity, diligent work and communication, and bring a fresh face to discussions that need to be carried forward to get things done in our community. Because I have the skill set to bring people together and I am a hard worker, I believe that our district wants representation that reflects the values of Faith-Family-Flag that we all hold dearly to and live out every day. Faith means that we have a Christian world view knowing that our leadership is not only accountable for their actions but are also good stewards for resources that are entrusted to them and protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am a Christian business owner and appreciate the freedoms we have to live out our beliefs with boldness and being unafraid. Family means to me that we are a family as a district and I love living here, operating a business here and serving others here! Flag means that we uphold the Constitution and the inalienable rights that are given to us by God, the government does not have the right to limit our freedoms, and I will protect them from challenges both foreign and domestic.5. I am humbly asking for your vote on August 6, knowing that you have a choice in representation. I live in our district; I work in our district, and I serve in our district. It’s Your State -Your District -Your Voice and Your Choice. Thank you for your trust and your vote! Pray for our nation, protection of all candidates running for office, and God’s hand in our elections that His will be done in our community, state and nation and for the good of everyone that calls the United States their home. May God bless our city, county, state and nation. Amen.
State Representative District 156
Brian Seitz
1. My name is Brian Seitz, and I have served as the 156th District State Representative since my first election in 2020. I have lived in Branson for over 30 years with my wife Valerie, and we raised our three children, Daniel, Taylor and Reagan here, with all graduating from Branson High School. I am an Army veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne, former owner of local publication Music Country News, and former pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Over my first two terms as state representative, I have been a champion for our Christian conservative values in Jefferson City, and an effective voice for the needs of our district. I serve as the Chairman of the House Tourism Committee and have played a key role in the passage of major legislation including the No Patient Left Behind Act, Save Women's Sports Act, Missouri Small Business Protection Act and much more. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the 156th District for the past four years, and I am looking forward to continuing my fierce advocacy for our area in my next term.
2. As it has from the first second I decided to run for office, my campaign rests upon the pillars of freedom, liberty and the will of the people. My desire to serve is solely based on helping others, not on some personal or political ambition. When I first ran for office, it was to make sure our area had a loud, effective, conservative voice in Jefferson City. That hasn't changed, and I have become one of the most effective, and well-respected, members of the House due to my ability to get things done without sacrificing my principles.
3. Our area has a tourism-based economy, which means we need a quality trained workforce to fill open jobs and affordable housing for those workers. I have supported multiple local affordable housing projects at the state level, and my role as the Chairman of the House Tourism Committee gives me the bully pulpit to both advocate for the needs of our area and promote the unique offerings of the 156th District. I am strongly aligned with local leadership across the district, and their concerns and issues are addressed immediately at the state level when brought to my attention. In addition to the issue of affordable housing, the more broad issue of inflation and over taxation is affecting not only the 156th District, but our entire state. I have signed a "No Tax Pledge" and will never vote for a tax increase on the citizens of Missouri. It is your money, not the government's money, and you should be able to keep more of it.
4. I am easily the best candidate for this position because of my work ethic, proven record of accomplishment and selfless desire to serve the people of the 156th District. I fight unceasingly for our area and the values we hold dear, holding government leaders accountable and fighting back against the corruption and backroom dealing that often plagues government. I have demonstrated the ability to build bridges, while maintaining my conservative principles, which allows me to be extremely successful, effective and respected in the Capitol. You don't change a horse in midstream, especially if that horse is getting the job done. I'm not running for personal political ambition, I'm running for the people, as I always have.
5. I am asking voters to send me back to the Capitol to continue the work that we started four years ago. Our Christian, conservative, constitutionally minded residents need representation that shares their values and speaks with their voice. I have proven that I am the right person for the job. So many people run for selfish reasons, but I am in office for the people, those that make our area successful and the best place to live, work and raise a family. I am the strong, Christian, conservative Republican in this race, and my record shows that. My voice is LOUD in Jefferson City, because the 37,000 people in the 156th District have become family, and it is an honor to fight for them every day. For proven conservative leadership that cares about the people and speaks with your voice, vote to reelect Seitz for State Representative on August 6!
State Representative District 138
Burt Whaley
1. I am a native Missourian with an extensive background in public service. I have a 20-year career in the U.S. Army as a military police officer (active and reserve) and a 28-year career in education as a teacher, founding principal of an alternative school, and school board member. I also have 40-plus years of service in the church as a lay leader in youth groups, adult Sunday school and international mission trips. In retirement, I am an instructor and security consultant for active shooter and intruder response, helping schools and churches improve their physical security measures. In addition, I have been actively involved as a member and leader in local Republican groups. I am endorsed by Missouri Right to Life and the Missouri Republican Assembly, have been married for 39 years, have four grown children, three sons-in-law, and eleven grandchildren. “WE BELIEVE all people are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is our fundamental belief that our morals, our values, and our culture are derived from Almighty God. To quote the Psalmist, ‘Blessed is the nation
whose God is the Lord.’ Psalm 33:12.” (Missouri Republican Platform)
2. My first priority is life, saving babies from conception. Initiative Petition Reform is a high priority to protect not only our unborn children but also other unwanted amendments being placed on our Missouri Constitution by special interest groups who have a lot of money and are the driving force to promote initiative petitions in high-population areas in Missouri, thus altering our Missouri Constitution.
My second priority is liberty, an essential aspect of ensuring the education of Missouri's youth. I am committed to protecting Missourian's First and Second Amendment rights, and my support for an amendment to the Missouri Constitution for a "Constitutional Sheriff" is a significant step in securing our liberties. In addition, I will vigorously promote quality education for public schools, charter schools, private schools and home schools, providing a solid foundation for future generations.
My third priority is the pursuit of happiness for Missourians: Promoting legislation or removing legislation that would stop illegal immigration in our state, stop China and other countries from buying Missouri farmland and other properties, cut taxes, increase local and state economic development, and encourage IN GOD WE TRUST into our decision-making process.
3. Kimberling City has five independent wells plus a city water system that makes up the whole city water system. It needs one system that can be managed and maintained to provide a consistent water supply to all its residents. The town is holding a meeting at the end of this month to review possible solutions. If needed, I would advocate for state assistance in this process. Sparta stands to gain significantly from a natural gas supply line extending from Rogersville. This addition would not only enhance Sparta's marketability for businesses but also provide an additional energy resource. I am committed to supporting this initiative and will seek state assistance when the time is right. Crypto mining centers, while beneficial to a community, raise concerns about energy consumption and noise levels.
Should these issues be addressed through local city ordinances or state legislation? My preference is for local control, which would allow us to manage these concerns at the city level. However, if broader state support is necessary, I am prepared to advocate for additional assistance while maintaining a balance between local control and state intervention. The Corps of Engineers is creating several issues in the local Corps lakes. These issues result in our local citizens spending more hard-earned money to move buildings and septic tanks. One Corps Lake is requiring boat docks to have solar panels in just a few years to be in compliance. This cost will be on the ones leasing the boat dock. Though this is a federal-level issue, I will support any measure that will take the financial burden off the one leasing the dock, moving the building and the septic system.
4. The best candidate protects life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our Creator, Almighty God, endowed these inalienable rights to all people. The government is responsible for acknowledging and protecting these rights, and I will defend them. As a former military policeman, my passion is to protect all human life as being made in the image of our Creator. As a biology teacher, I understand when life begins, and I will defend life from conception to when God calls them home. As one who treasures free speech, I will protect our First Amendment rights. I will defend the Second Amendment as a hunter, gun owner, security trainer and consultant. As a public servant for decades, I am ready to take on the woke and the swamp to maintain and regain the rights that we have lost. My conservative, Christian and Republican values are unshaken.
5. I seek to encourage others to return to the faith, morality, law, education and liberty that our country was founded on. Our founding fathers understood that faith in God leads to strong morality, which is reflected in our original laws. The foundational belief in GOD WE TRUST will assist legislators in promoting sound public policy, such as protecting the lives of unborn babies from conception, promoting a constitutional amendment for Constitutional Sheriffs, promoting quality education that is balanced between public schools, charter schools, private schools and home schools, promoting legislation that addresses the concerns about illegal immigrants, stopping other countries from buying Missouri land and property, cutting taxes and increasing economic development. I will fight for liberty, faith, family, the 138th and the state of Missouri, and be your conservative voice. I would appreciate you vote on August 6 for the Missouri State Representative, 138th District. Thank you, be blessed. IN GOD WE TRUST.
State Representative District 138
Tom Franiak
1. My wife and I moved to Southwest Missouri in December 2004. I am a master carpenter by trade. I have been a self-employed business owner for 40 years. My business, Midwest Cabinets and Design is located in Ozark and is thriving and growing. We specialize in retail cabinets with an emphasis on kitchen and bath remodeling. I have been interested in politics since I was able to vote. It was important to me to know who was running our government and what they were doing. I enjoy listening to various talk radio programs to get different perspectives on current events. I have been a guest host on KSGF and done some political commentary. I was the state director for the Minutemen Civil Defense Corp. Our purpose was to watch where illegal aliens were working and report the businesses to federal agencies. I helped start the Young Republicans Club and the Tea Party - groups designed to help Republicans get active in politics. In October 2020, I was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. I was in treatment for a year, ending with surgery in October 2021. I was declared cancer free three days post-op. Through my journey, I always knew God was in control. In 2022, I became involved with the American Cancer Society’s biggest charity event—the Cattle Baron’s Ball and was the auction chair. My wife and I were asked to be the co-chairs for the 2023 Cattle Baron’s Ball. That year the event raised over $350,000 for the American Cancer Society, which was among the top 100 in the country. I am endorsed by Missouri Right to Life, the Missouri Realtors and have an A rating by the NRA (the highest rating for a candidate).
2. The first obligation of the State Representative is to defend your liberty. It is a priority to get government out of the way and give control back to the people. Our rights come from God, and the government has no authority to remove the rights, or liberties of the people, or businesses. I am your voice in Jefferson City and listening to the constituents of District 138 and understanding what is important to them to get those things done. We need to grow the economies of our small communities so they don’t die. When communities don’t have a good economic base they cannot sustain services like roads, healthcare and successful schools to name a few. Communities need to grow at a rate and style they choose, and I will work with local leaders to determine their needs to help them thrive.
School freedom. Public schools that are doing well should be supported so they continue to flourish. If parents feel the school is failing, then they should be able to educate their children the way they feel is best for their child. Those tax dollars should follow the student. Parents should decide and be involved in what their children are learning.
3. District 138 is unique in that it is a bi-county district encompassing southern Christian and most of Stone counties. Each area has different needs, but growing the economy to build good infrastructure for the 138th is a priority. Providing a great education base for our children and encouraging them to stay in Southern Missouri is vital. The younger population is leaving our area due to lack of opportunity and low wages. Reeds Spring has put in place a great vocational tech program offering classes in building trades, culinary arts, marine and auto repair, and we should model that throughout the 138th. We need to make it desirable for builders to build lower income housing so people can own their home which creates generational wealth. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing and our rural areas are suffering from lack of local healthcare options. There are illegal aliens pouring into Missouri taking our jobs, bringing in drugs, filling our jails and over extending our law enforcement. This problem must be addressed. The best way for us to accomplish our goals is for the state legislators to work with the local leaders to determine the best plan for their communities. We have so much to offer in our area and these are the investments I want to support and see flourishing.
4. Being self-employed and owning my own business has taught me how to be a critical thinker. I am able to resolve conflicts between customers and installers, shop help, clients and designers. I have to push back deadlines due to supply chain issues which can cause problems with the customer and other trades. All these challenges have enabled me to negotiate with and win over people. I also listen carefully to people. It’s important to take their vision and make it a reality no matter the size of the request if it is within the budget I have been given to work with. My business has earned a 5-star Google review rating. The skills I have learned working with the public and various personalities will enable me to represent the people of my district and address their issues with determination and passion.
5. I was honored to have been asked by a sitting House Representative to run for the open seat for District 138. After going through and surviving stage four cancer, I knew God had a plan for me. I will use what I have learned through my business and the relationships I have built with other representatives and senators to gather the votes needed to push through appropriate legislation for the people of district 138. I will never sway from my conservative values and will always protect your liberty as your representative! I appreciate your confidence and your vote for Tom Franiak, State Representative, District 138, on August 6.
State Representative District 155
Julie AuBuchon
1. I am a wife, mom, and grandmother, a licensed insurance agent for over 20 years, retirement community manager, motorcycle ministry, and have traveled across the U.S. I’ve always loved meeting and listening to people.
2. I’m running for office because I believe we need to protect our God-given rights. When limited government is put into practice it should involve the protection of individual liberty from government intrusion. I want to reduce the tax burdens and have transparency with where current tax money is spent. I also will protect the right to bear arms.
3. A top challenge in our area is income verses expenses. I would work to remove regulations that hinder energy production. Cheap gas means lower prices on everything. I’m also looking into ways to better serve our rural volunteer fire departments.
4. I feel I am best qualified for this position as I have raised my family and now have the time and experience to dedicate myself to the work ahead and my core beliefs align with the people of the district. I have been endorsed by the Missouri Right to Life and the Missouri Republican Assembly of Stone and Taney County.
5. My campaign has been funded by folks who know me and trust me, not by any activist groups, and I humbly ask for your vote to represent you and earn your trust!
State Representative District 155
Matthew Overcast
1. My name is Matthew Overcast, your Republican Candidate for District 155. I was born and raised right here in District 155. I grew up in Douglas County, MO, on our family farm, the same farm where my only wife of twelve years, a first grade elementary teacher at Gainesville Elementary, and I currently raise our five children. I am a USAF Veteran, joining at 17 y.o., to serve as a Tactical Aircraft Journeyman (aircraft mechanic). I am a licensed business and education attorney in Ava, Missouri, and a small business owner. With my local roots, proven leadership, business and legal experience, I am uniquely qualified to hit the ground running to lead my colleagues in the House to achieve the people’s agenda and defend our conservative Ozark values in Jefferson City.
2. Active leadership, integrity, upholding conservative family values3. In speaking with constituents door to door, the foremost challenges facing our district have emerged as critical focal points for the community. These include (1) enhancing economic development and fostering job creation, (2) broadening rural healthcare accessibility, (3) enhancing educational standards and opportunities in our schools, and (4) ensuring prudent management of taxpayer funds. To address economic development and job creation, I would work in collaboration with our local chambers of commerce and economic development agencies to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and invest in infrastructure projects that create employment opportunities. Moreover, drawing upon my background as a business owner and business attorney, I will meticulously evaluate existing and proposed legislation in the House to guarantee that only bills supporting intelligent business practices, which encourage expansion and opportunities for Missouri businesses without unduly stifling economic growth, are enacted.
In response to the healthcare provider shortage in our rural communities, I will push for the expansion of practice rights for assistant physicians, mirroring the model passed for Advanced Nurse Practitioners by the Missouri House last legislative session. Additionally, I will champion the provision of recruitment incentives to attract all medical professionals willing to work in rural Missouri. Collaborating closely with healthcare providers and local organizations is essential to tackling the scarcity of healthcare personnel in rural regions. These steps will go a long way in mitigating the challenges faced by senior citizens and low-income families who must travel long distances for essential medical services.
To improve our education system, it is essential to empower parents with a range of educational options, equip teachers with the necessary resources to exceed educational standards, address burnout, enhance retention rates and guarantee that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success beyond graduation. It is imperative that we unite vital educational stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers, advocacy groups and other professionals, to collaboratively develop and enact these impactful educational reforms. As an education law attorney, I will be at the forefront of getting this done for the people of Missouri and my district. To ensure prudent management of taxpayer funds, I will continue advocating for policies that promote transparency and fiscal responsibility in government spending. This includes making budget information easily accessible to the public and holding regular town hall meetings or sending out letters to discuss how taxpayer dollars are being allocated. I will fiercely advocate for funding for local projects that have a direct impact on constituents' quality of life, such as infrastructure improvements, education initiatives, healthcare services and economic development programs. Ensuring that tax dollars are invested back into the community will provide tangible benefits to residents that they can see.
4. What sets me apart as the most qualified candidate for this position is my dedication to public service, legal expertise and commitment to upholding conservative family values, especially within my own home. Drawing upon my experience as a veteran, I understand the value of building relationships and leading people from diverse backgrounds toward common goals. As a business attorney and small business owner, I empathize with the challenges faced by local businesses and know how to address them effectively. With strong community ties, I promise to prioritize the needs of our community above all else, just as I did during my military service. My resilience, coupled with my unwavering dedication to my values, distinguishes me from career politicians and the well intentioned and ensures my relentless efforts to improve our district for all families. These attributes, along with my Ozarks upbringing and faith, uniquely equip me to immediately begin working towards enhancing our district and creating an even more thriving environment for our families to reside and raise our children.
5. Having defended our constitutional rights and freedoms abroad in the military, I now seek the honor of your vote on August 6 to continue serving our community by safeguarding our conservative Ozark values right here in Missouri. A vote for Matthew Overcast on August 6 is a vote for YOU and a better District
Missouri State Senate
Brad Hudson
1. I grew up on a small family farm feeding cattle and hauling hay, and I've lived my entire life in Southern Missouri. I accepted the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 2005 and have been ever since. I’ve been married to my wife Carissa for almost 25 years, and she teaches at a Christian school. We have two children, Bethany and Daniel. I'm a pastor who knows our rights come from God, not government. I'm serving my sixth year in the Missouri House and helped write the SAFE Act to STOP transgender drugs and surgeries from being used on our kids. I’ve been the leading voice protecting the unborn, which earned me the exclusive endorsement of Missouri Right to Life in this race. I’m 100% pro-Second Amendment, earning me an A rating from the NRA and the support of the Missouri Firearms Coalition. I’m the only candidate in this race to vote AGAINST the gas tax increase of 2021. Most importantly, I am a strong, Christian Conservative who will never be beholden to lobbyists and will always put the will of the people first.
2. If I had to boil it down to three, it would be faith, integrity and freedom. My faith informs every decision that I make, and has helped keep me grounded and focused on serving the people while in the House.
Integrity comes from that deep faith. I will never say I will do something if I cannot keep my word. Too often in politics, including this election cycle, politicians try to paint a perfect picture of themselves to earn votes, but their record tells a different story, and their actions in the Capitol go against the campaign rhetoric they used to get them elected. Whether you agree or disagree with me, you will always know where I stand on the issues. This has made me extremely effective in the House and will help me be a strong voice for the people in the Senate as well.
Finally, freedom. As Ronald Reagan said, “our freedoms are never more than one generation away from extinction. We need to fight for those freedoms. We need to elect candidates that will keep up the fight, never back down and always stand strong for the people. I have proven myself to be that champion for the people in the House and I will take the fight to the Senate when elected on August 6.
3. I want to work on decreasing the tax burden for our citizens. We are taxed far too often, on far too much, and that needs to end. When the unconstitutional gas tax increase came up in 2021, I stood against it. Our citizens should keep more of their money, because it belongs to them, not the government. I want to get infrastructure dollars into the district for road and bridge improvements. We can do that without raising taxes, but it takes someone who knows how to get the job done. I served on the Budget Committee in the House, and built relationships that will help me be the strongest advocate for the citizens of Senate District 33.
Finally, I want to make sure that our Southern Missouri values are protected. We need to stop illegal immigration from coming into Missouri, end foreign land ownership and stop woke Leftists from destroying our way of life. I’ve been a fighter on these issues, and more, and will continue to be a fierce advocate for our values in the Senate.
4. I have a proven track record of success. I have taken a bill all the way from drafting to the governor's desk without a single amendment. That is almost unheard of in the Capitol. It is a testament to my hard work and the respect I've earned during my time in the Legislature. I don't just talk about what I want to do, I get it done. I helped pass the SAFE Act to stop transgender drugs and surgeries from being used on our kids. I was threatened, received countless hateful messages, had confrontations in the hallway and was even called the most hated Republican in the House by the Democrats. To that I said, 'I must be doing something right.' I don't make promises I can't keep, and I don't paint myself to be something that I'm not during campaign season. I'm honest to a fault and will always put the needs of the district before my own personal goals or aspirations.
5. This election isn't just about the next four years, it's about the next decade. It's about charting a course for our state that will see us have lasting success for generations to come. It's about protecting our traditional values and Southern Missouri way of life. As Bidenflation has wrecked our economy and crippled the American Dream for millions, we have to make sure that those we elect at the state level will fight doubly hard for the people. I stand with President Trump and soon-to-be Vice President Vance in making America great once again, but even more than that, I want to Make Missouri Great Again. Our best days are ahead of us if we humble ourselves before God, seek His will and do good work on behalf of the people. That is the only reason I'm running to represent Senate District 33, to be a voice for the people. I appreciate all of the support that I've received so far, and I humbly ask for everyone to Vote Hudson for Senate on August 6!
Missouri State Senate
Travis Smith
1. Currently I serve as State Representative for the 155th District which covers Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney County. I’m married to my beautiful wife Karen Smith and have four children and one grandson. I grew up in Southern Missouri where I started my own small business. I’ve served on boards for multiple civic organizations and during that time came to learn that unless we sent good men and women to Jefferson City and Washington D.C. that nothing was going to change. During my four years in Jefferson City as a State Representative I’ve led the fight in protecting our farmland, keeping crime out of our communities, and sending illegal immigrants back to where they came from. Because of my record I am the only candidate for State Senate District 33 endorsed by the Missouri Cattleman’s Association, Missouri’s State Council of Fire Fighters, and Missouri’s Fraternal Order of Police. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, I made a lasting impact on young men and women to become productive citizens. I’ve been a Republican my entire life and will continue to fight to make sure Missouri remains a great place to raise your family.
2. The first thing that drives my campaign is my faith. When I was elected State Representative for the 155th District in 2020, Karen and I pledged to try and visit a new church in the district every Sunday. I wanted to make sure I was able to visit all the wonderful churches we had in the district, and it also provided me with the opportunity to hear from my constituents directly every week. I can promise you that I’ll continue this practice if elected to the State Senate.
The second thing that guides my campaign is my Ozark values. My family has spent their entire life in the Ozarks and I’m proud to call it home. People from our neck of the woods value their conservative roots and working hard to put food on the table. I can promise you I’ll never abandon my Ozark values to do the bidding of St. Louis and Kansas City.
The last thing my campaign is based upon is the voters. I decided to run for State Senate after voters from across the district asked me to run. They wanted someone who knew how to get things done and not just grandstand. I promise to always listen to YOU, the voter.
3. Let me unequivocally state that first and foremost I will always be a pro-life and pro-gun Senator. These are statewide issues that we must continually fight for to make sure that the unborn are protected and to protect our Second Amendment rights. Traveling to all seven counties in the 33rd Senatorial District I’ve heard from everyone about how illegal drugs continue to flood our communities, and that’s thanks to Joe Biden’s open border policy. During my time as a State Representative, I’ve helped lead the charge to support our law enforcement with the resources they need to combat illegal immigrants and that’s why I’ve been endorsed by Missouri’s Fraternal Order of Police and the police officers they represent across Missouri.
The next issue I’ve heard the most from voters on is that they want affordable and reliable broadband internet. I’m proud to have helped deliver $47 million in grant dollars to White River Electric Cooperative for them to expand broadband services to their members. As your State Senator I’ll fight to increase funding for rural broadband and bring it back to the Ozarks.
4. Unlike many of the candidates you’ll see on the ballot on August 6, I’m not a career politician. I ran for State Representative in 2020 and knew that the 33rd Senatorial District needed a candidate that would fight for them and not just another career politician who wanted to use this seat to run for something else in the future. My only priority will be being the best State Senator for the 33rd Senatorial District and NOT climbing the political ladder. In this election I am proud to have been the only candidate endorsed by farmers, police officers and firefighters. I’ve earned these endorsements because I’ve always supported our farmers, police officers and firefighters and will continue to do that as your State Senator. I’m the only candidate in this race that has delivered results for the Ozarks with additional funding for Highway 76, delivering broadband expansion to our most rural parts of the Ozarks, and passing legislation to get drugs off our streets.
5. It’s been an honor to call the Ozarks my home and to represent Douglas County, Ozark County, Stone County, and Taney County for the past four years as State Representative for the 155th District. During my time in Jefferson City, I’ve stood up against the power-hungry special interest groups and always fought to protect our way of life in Southern Missouri. I’m proud to have gotten to know so many of you on the campaign trail and hearing firsthand from you, the voter, about the issues that matter to you. I’m Travis Smith, and I hope on August 6 that you’ll send me to Jefferson City to defend our pro-life, pro-gun and pro-freedom Ozark values. Thank you for your support.
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