Missouri Senate holds 103rd General Assembly on Jan. 8

It was approximately 6:30 a.m., on the cold winter Wednesday morning of January 8, 2025. A band of five ladies climbed aboard a black SUV to head out to the State Capitol of Missouri. They picked me up at 7 a.m., and we were on the road again. There were several - approximately 30 in total - who drove in a few cars to Jefferson City to witness the swearing in of legislators who won the November 5, 2024 elections.

At 10 a.m., the ladies and gentlemen visited their prospective leaders and congratulated them. Everyone enjoyed some refreshments, too. There were plenty of Kodak moments, or shall we say, pictures for everyone to share and remember this historic occasion.

After meeting with the senators and congressmen, everyone headed for the State Senate Gallery where we waited for the Senate proceedings to begin at 12 noon. The Senate Gallery was full of visitors from around the State of Missouri. Everyone stood and joined in a prayer, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop F, the Pledge of Allegiance, and we all sang God Bless America. 

Every elected official was welcomed by a fellow state leader and introduced on the Senate floor before being sworn in. Seventeen elected officials lined up and took their oath of office. There was a total of 34 yays and 0 no's in the voting presented. It was refreshing to listen to the unity that was being presented.

Visitors clapped, supporting the elected officials. The Taney County group was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, as being the largest group attending and stated "your group wins the prize, Senator Brad Hudson." Our group cheered and clapped, and could be heard throughout the gallery.

After the formal ceremony, the ladies, several couples and families went back to personally congratulate and celebrate the senators and congressmen of the prospective districts. 

Representative Brian Seitz, aka Superman, stated "we had a great opening day here, new leadership was chosen. There is excitement in the Capitol. I'm ready to go to work for the people of the 156th District."

Senator Mike Moon said, "today we held the 103rd General Assembly, and when I was introduced, it was said that I would adhere to the Missouri and the United States Constitution. I'm proud to be known by that standard. I hope 33 other senators will adhere to this standard because I'm going to be holding them to that same standard."

Julie Aubuchon from Forsyth was happy to be at the Capitol supporting her leaders. She is running for mayor and has been attending school board and commissioner meetings. She states "we have to do something to protect our children. We have elections coming up in April." She continued saying, " if you're not involved get involved." She said "young people are watching, I have a 15-year-old granddaughter who had MAGA on her pant leg, and her friend had TRUMP on her pant leg. They're watching." Rita Crosley said, “this is an incredible day. I'm here to support Brad Hudson. He is a man of integrity. He says what he means and he means what he says. He's a genuine patriot." She added, "and it's a good day in the neighborhood." Ruth Denham of Branson said "Things will only get better."

Senator Brad Hudson said, "I'm excited to serve and incredibly grateful to the good folks of District 33 for giving me this opportunity. We've got a lot of plans. We already have got six pieces of legislation with more to come. We're going to do everything we can for freedom and liberty to protect life."

There were other comments and positive energy all day. Some had to change shoes when it was time to leave because of the snowy sidewalks and walk back to the parking lot.