MO Governor: Mike Parson (R)
PROFILE
About Parson:
Hard work and a commitment to helping others have been the driving force for Gov. Michael L. Parson’s public service. Sworn in as Missouri’s 57th Governor on June 1, 2018, Parson pledged to move Missouri forward with common sense, trust, honor, and integrity.
Raised on a small farm in Hickory County, it was here that Parson first learned the value of hard work, being a good neighbor, and being a good steward of the land. Parson has a strong background in public safety, having spent a 22-year career in law enforcement serving Missouri and our country. Parson served two tours of duty in the United States Army as an MP, protecting our nation overseas. After returning home, he joined the Sheriff’s office and eventually was elected by his community to serve as Polk County Sheriff. A third-generation farmer, Parson continues to own and operate a cow and calf operation near Bolivar, Missouri.
Missouri is moving forward under the leadership of Parson. His first year in office saw the state economy create over 35,000 new jobs. Bunge, Bayer, Briggs & Stratton, CVS, Nucor Steel, Google and many other businesses are investing in Missouri and creating new opportunities for Missourians.
With record lows in unemployment, more people are going back to work in Missouri. Wages are on the rise. And Missouri was named the top small business wage growth state in the nation. More Missourians are keeping their hard-earned money because the legislature passed and Governor Parson signed the largest income tax cut in Missouri history.
From day one, Parson has been laser-focused on workforce development and infrastructure. The governor knows an educated workforce is key to moving Missouri forward and is focused on ensuring Missouri workers have the skills to compete for jobs in the modern global economy.
By improving Missouri’s infrastructure, Parson’s policies are helping increase access to transporting goods throughout Missouri. Leveraging the state’s rivers, interstates, highways and airports, Missouri will be able to expand into new trade markets around the United States and the world.
Parson has received several honors and awards while in office. In 2017, he was inducted into the Missouri Farmers Care Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was awarded the Missouri Times Statesman of the Year, named Biz 417 Person of the Year and named on Ingram’s 50 Missourians You Should Know list.
The biographical information above was sourced from the candidate’s campaign website and Ballotpedia profile, see links below for more information.
