Mike Parson

Michael L. "Mike" Parson (born September 17, 1955) is a second-term Republican member of the Missouri Senate representing the 28th district. Previously, Parson served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives from the 133rd District (2004–2010). Senator Parson will serve as the Majority Caucus Whip in the Senate during the 96th General Assembly and is currently seeking election for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri.

Personal history

Mike Parson was born in Clinton, Missouri and raised on a farm in Hickory County. Following graduation from Wheatland (Missouri) High School in 1973 Parson served six years in the US Army. He received higher education at the University of Maryland and University of Hawaii. A third generation Missouri family farmer, Parson owns and operates a cow-calf operation near Bolivar when not busy with his legislative duties. Parson and wife Teresa have two grown children and five grandchildren.

Political history

Mike Parson served twelve years as Polk County sheriff before first being elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2004. He was subsequently reelected in 2006 and 2008. In 2010 Parson survived a tough primary campaign against two fellow Republican state representatives, Ed Emery and Larry Wilson. In the November general election he defeated Constitution Party candidate Bennie Hatfield to win his first term in the Missouri Senate.