Mike Parson

Mike Parson is an American politician serving as the 57th Governor of Missouri since June 2018, having ascended from the office of Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Missouri General Assembly in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. His tenure has been marked by a focus on infrastructure investment, law enforcement support, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri.

Early life and education

Mike Parson was born on September 17, 1955, in Wheatland, Missouri, a small town in Hickory County. He was raised on his family's farm near Wheatland, an experience that deeply influenced his political identity. After graduating from Wheatland High School, he attended the University of Maryland Global Campus while serving in the United States Army.

Early career and military service

Parson enlisted in the United States Army in 1975, serving for six years and achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard and served during Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service, he returned to Missouri and embarked on a career in law enforcement. He served as the Sheriff of Polk County and later owned and operated a cattle farm and a small business in Bolivar, Missouri.

Political career

Parson's political career began with his election to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2004, representing the 133rd district. He served three terms before being elected to the Missouri Senate in 2010, representing the 28th district. In the Missouri Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight. In 2016, he was elected as the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on a ticket with Eric Greitens.

Governor of Missouri

Parson assumed the governorship on June 1, 2018, following the resignation of Eric Greitens. He was elected to a full term in the 2020 Missouri gubernatorial election, defeating Nicole Galloway. His administration has prioritized the "Focus on Bridges" program, a major infrastructure initiative. He signed legislation creating the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and implemented a significant income tax cut. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri emphasized local control and opposed statewide mask mandates and business closures. In 2022, he signed a bill banning abortion in Missouri following the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Political positions

Parson is a conservative Republican with a strong record of support for law enforcement, signing the "Back the Blue" legislation. He is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and signed a law making Missouri a Constitutional carry state. On economic policy, he has advocated for tax cuts and regulatory reform. He has been a vocal critic of the Biden Administration's policies, particularly on immigration and energy policy. He is a member of the Republican Governors Association.

Personal life

Parson is married to Teresa Parson, who serves as the First Lady of Missouri. They have two adult children and several grandchildren. The family resides in the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City and maintains their farm in Bolivar. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and is an avid supporter of the University of Missouri athletics programs. Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Governors of Missouri Category:Missouri Republicans Category:Missouri state senators Category:Members of the Missouri House of Representatives Category:Lieutenant Governors of Missouri