“I am excited to take this step towards reforming our state government to better serve We the People,” stated Baeza. “Missouri’s heart is in its rural communities. It’s in the families who live here, the farmers who work the land, and the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. I am running to ensure that those voices are heard in Jefferson City,” Baeza said. “We need common-sense leadership that prioritizes our values, respects our way of life, and stands up for the freedoms we hold dear.”

Baeza has a proven record of standing up for Missouri agriculture and improving local infrastructure without raising taxes. His work has been grounded in the principles of rural Missouri values such as fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and a commitment to strong families and communities. With a small government platform, he is proud of his successful efforts to reduce government waste and keep big government out of the day-to-day lives of Missourians as the current Eastern Commissioner of Pettis County.

“Less government is the best government. I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of government regulations, taxes, and overreach on our farmers, small businesses, and families. It’s time to push back against policies that hurt rural Missouri and stand up for those that have been left behind by the political elite.”

For Baeza, commonsense leadership means championing policies that strengthen the everyday lives of Missouri’s working families. The Baeza campaign is grounded in core conservative values: protecting Constitutional freedoms, defending the sanctity of life, promoting fiscal responsibility, fighting for smaller government, and reducing crime across the state. Through these priorities, Baeza is committed to creating an environment where Missourians can thrive through hard work, personal responsibility, and independence—not reliance on government.

Israel Baeza is the proud husband to Perla, with whom he has two young children. The couple enjoys raising their children in Pettis County and are active members of the Hispanic Baptist Church of Sedalia. He also serves on the board of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia-Pettis County Economic Development, and the University of Missouri Extension Council.

The post Press Release: Conservative Republican Israel Baeza announces candidacy for state representative appeared first on The Missouri Times.

During his distinguished tenure in the U.S. Senate, Senator Bond was an enthusiastic advocate and leading voice for Community Health Centers (CHCs). These vital health centers, which serve those without access to essential healthcare, flourished under his leadership. Through his advocacy, CHCs saw groundbreaking funding increases in the late 1990s, which helped them expand and provide services to thousands of people who had been previously underserved. Senator Bond’s efforts led to a historic $60 million funding boost in 1997, followed by an even larger $100 million increase. These measures resulted in the most significant funding increases for CHCs in decades, ensuring that more individuals could receive the care they desperately needed.

In 2000, Senator Bond convinced then candidate for president, George W. Bush, to embrace CHCs as a presidential initiative if elected. George Bush visited Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Center, now known as Affinia Healthcare, in St. Louis on April 12, 2000, announcing that he would provide an additional $4billion for CHCs if he won the presidency. Bush won and through Kit Bond’s leadership, dozens of health care access points opened across rural Missouri. 

Senator Bond’s commitment to the growth of CHCs in Missouri was impactful. When he retired in 2011, Missouri boasted 21 CHCs serving over 420,000 people, a marked increase from the 14 centers serving 190,000 individuals in 1999. Today, Missouri is home to 28 CHCs, providing essential healthcare to over 644,000 people, a third of whom are children. His efforts have touched the lives of countless residents in both urban and rural communities, leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare infrastructure of the state.

In recognition of his legacy, in 2009, MPCA’s Board of Directors established the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Community Health Scholarship. This scholarship, which assists individuals pursuing careers in healthcare for underserved communities, stands as a testament to his unparalleled dedication to improving health access. The scholarship will continue to benefit future generations of healthcare professionals, ensuring that Senator Bond’s legacy lives on in the communities he worked so hard to improve.

His legacy as a tireless advocate for health care access will endure for generations to come.

Senator Bond’s devotion to his constituents and his unyielding belief in the power of community healthcare will forever be remembered.

The post Press Release: Remembering Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond appeared first on The Missouri Times.

“I am the true conservative Republican in this race, and I am running to defend the freedoms of Senate District 28,” said Dr. Alexander. “As a physician, I saw the injustices of COVID up close. I will fight tooth and nail to make sure that never happens again. I will fight to protect life, uphold the Second Amendment, secure our elections, oppose woke ideology, and ensure Missouri farmland stays in American hands.”

A board-certified Emergency Department Physician for over 30 years, Dr. Alexander serves as senior partner in the Emergency Department at CoxHealth in Springfield, MO. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and MD from the University of Missouri– Kansas City Medical School in 1982. For more than 35 years, he has mentored medical students, residents, and first responders while serving as a non-paid director for rural fire and rescue districts in Southwest Missouri. In addition to his medical service, Dr. Alexander is a pilot and active farmer. He is a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau.

Dr. Alexander resides in Fair Play with his wife, Marsha. They have three daughters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandsons with one more on the way. The Alexanders are active members of Bolivar Church of Christ.

For more information about Dr. Sam Alexander and his campaign, please visit
AlexanderforMO.com.

The post Press Release: Dr. Sam Alexander Officially Announces His Candidacy for Missouri State Senate, District 28 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

DeClue, who currently serves as Chair of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee, brings a strong background in healthcare, community service, and conservative activism. With nearly two decades of experience as a registered nurse and a proven record of fighting for pro-life, pro-family values, she says she is stepping forward to represent the people of District 118 with integrity and common sense.

“Missouri is worth fighting for,” said DeClue. “I’m running to defend our values, protect our children, and push back against the growing government overreach that’s threatening our freedoms and way of life.”

DeClue has been a leading voice in Missouri’s conservative movement. She played an instrumental role in opposing Amendment 3 and has worked closely with pro-life organizations, parental rights advocates, and freedom-focused coalitions. A member of Temple Baptist Church, she and her husband Ron have been married for 20 years. Together, they have raised five children through birth, adoption, and foster care.

As a candidate, DeClue is focused on defending life, family, and parental rights, promising to be a steadfast voice for Missouri values in the state legislature. She also plans to take a hard line on government spending, working to restore fiscal responsibility and limit the size and scope of government. DeClue is a strong supporter of educational freedom and school choice, and she is committed to protecting children from radical ideologies that have no place in Missouri classrooms. Her background in healthcare gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing working families, and she will advocate for patient-centered reforms and policies that support rural hospitals and frontline providers.

“Our campaign is about putting people before politics and standing up for the hardworking families who feel forgotten by Jefferson City,” DeClue added. “I’m ready to be their voice and bring real-world experience and common sense back to the Capitol.”

Missouri House District 118 includes parts of Franklin County. DeClue is currently unopposed in the Republican primary.

The post Press Release: Nurse, Conservative Activist Amy DeClue Announces Candidacy for State Representative in Missouri’s 118th District appeared first on The Missouri Times.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had while serving Missouri’s soybean farmers and working alongside dedicated staff,” Wheeler said. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the board and all the staff who have poured their sweat and tears into this endeavor. I look forward to the next chapter in my career.”

The Missouri Soybeans Joint Oversight Committee has appointed Casey Wasser, deputy executive director and chief operating officer, as interim CEO.

“Missouri Soybean is powered by our members, our Board of Directors, and our dedicated team,” said Wasser. “I’m honored to serve as interim CEO and carry out our strategic plan to build demand and foster innovation to meet the present and future needs of Missouri’s dedicated soybean producers.”

On behalf of the Missouri Soybeans’ Joint Oversight Committee, Chairman Matt Wright said, “The Joint Oversight Committee unanimously chose Casey to lead our organization as we determine the next steps. Casey’s proven leadership and tenure representing the interests of our members give us complete confidence that we will be stronger than ever as we position our organizations to deliver on our strategic goals.”

Missouri Soybeans remains committed to advancing its mission of growing opportunities for soybean farmers through leadership in research, market expansion, and political advocacy. The organization’s strategic priorities include strengthening farm profitability, driving innovation through research investments, and growing domestic and international markets for Missouri soybeans.

The Board of Directors emphasized that its focus remains on delivering results for Missouri soybean producers and ensuring the organization’s long-term strength and success.

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With a commitment to strengthening education, supporting veterans, and driving economic development, Gudehus is eager to bring his leadership and experience to the Missouri House as a lifelong conservative.The Republican primary is in August 2026.

“I have dedicated my life to service, both in the military and in my community, and I am ready to take that commitment to the state capitol,” said Gudehus. “The people of Northeast Missouri deserve a representative who will work tirelessly to create opportunities, protect our values, and ensure a brighter future for our families.”

A native of Edina, Missouri, Gudehus brings a wealth of experience to his campaign. After graduating from Truman State University with a degree in Business Administration, he went on to earn master’s degrees in Accounting and Educational Leadership. His career includes 21 years of service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, where he specialized in military financial management and leadership roles in both peacetime and combat environments. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Gudehus returned home to dedicate himself to his family, his community, and education—serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Knox County R-1 School District. He currently operates a cow/calf ranch on his family farm.

Gudehus’s campaign is built upon three core priorities:

1. Promoting Economic Development: He aims to attract businesses and create economic opportunities in Northeast Missouri by focusing on workforce development, job creation, and housing solutions to empower hardworking families.
2. Supporting Veterans & Law Enforcement: As a veteran himself, Gudehus will fight for full funding of law enforcement and the Missouri Veterans Commission, promoting policies that make Missouri a welcoming home for those who have served to keep us safe.
3. Strengthening Education: Gudehus will work to keep schools safe and ensure they continue to serve as innovative partners in their communities. This is done by advancing policies that encourage multiple pathways to the workforce, as well as by nurturing leadership development and retention tools for high-quality administrators and teachers.

Gudehus will work for all Missourians to ensure the rights and liberties of individuals “shall not be infringed” by the government—no exceptions.

“I swore an oath to defend the Constitution. I take that very seriously and believe that serving in this new capacity can help me continue to fulfill that promise I made all those years ago.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Gudehus is a dedicated member of several community organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4822, the American Legion Post 261, and the Knox County Community Center Board of Directors. He has been married to his wife, Jackie, for 36 years, and they are the proud parents of four daughters and grandparents to two grandchildren.

Gudehus is running as a principled leader who will bring his experience, integrity, and dedication to public service to the Missouri legislature. He looks forward to meeting with voters across the district and discussing how he can address their concerns and represent their core values in the state government.

Missouri House District 4 includes Clark, Knox, Lewis, Schuyler, Scotland, and Shelby counties and part of Adair and Monroe counties.

The post Press Release: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Keith Gudehus announces candidacy for Missouri House appeared first on The Missouri Times.

“John has a deep commitment to the health of Missouri and the public servants MCHCP represents,” said MCHCP Board Chairman and Office of Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers. “He will work tirelessly as an advocate for MCHCP’s membership and ensure they have a strong health care plan for years to come.”

Wiemann is a lifelong Missourian who represented District 103 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022, with the last four years serving as Speaker Pro Tempore. He also served as President & CEO of Midwest Physicians Insurance Advisors from 2009-2022, and most recently Wiemann was the Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at St. Charles Community College. Wiemann received a bachelor’s degree in business and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Missouri.

“I am honored the board entrusted me with the position of MCHCP executive director,” said Wiemann. “I will work every day to make sure we have a health care plan that works for every single member.”

Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan (MCHCP) provides coverage to employees and retirees of most state agencies and public entities that have joined the plan. MCHCP is a separate, stand-alone state entity created by statute and organized under the direction of a 13-member board of trustees. The total membership of MCHCP is over 100,000.

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“I am so honored to receive this certification,” stated Foley. “Hard work pays off: that’s the message I want to resonate with our staff and students here in Lee’s Summit. Working for quality education isn’t about me—it’s about investing in our future.”

As an ardent champion for public education, Foley has consistently prioritized the needs of students, teachers, and the community. She is a strong supporter of literacy programs and early childhood education programs which provide families with the tools they need to support their child’s educational journey.

Foley has also advocated for staff salary increases while maintaining fiscal responsibility and pushed for policy modifications to ensure veteran educators earn credit for all prior years of service. She has travelled to both the state and federal capitols to promote public education funding.

Foley’s dedication to public education is evident in her work. She remains committed to serving the Lee’s Summit R-7 community with integrity, transparency, and a passion for education.

Jennifer Foley is running for re-election to the LSR7 school board on Tuesday, April 8th. For more information, please visit www.jenniferforlsr7.com.

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Filming will take place June 19–21, 2025, at the Historic Jail in Boonville, Missouri, and the production team is seeking local male actors to participate in reenactments of this pivotal moment in American history.

The film will include 1940s-era costumes and firearms using blank ammunition (handled under professional supervision). All applicants must be available for the full three-day shoot.

The post Press Release: HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY FILMING IN BOONVILLE, MISSOURI Stonegait Pictures Seeking Local Male Actors for June Production appeared first on The Missouri Times.

“I am running to ensure the steadfast conservative leadership we are accustomed to here in Northeast Missouri continues in the future. I look forward to continuing to meet with voters and keeping government accountable to the people,” Graff said.

With deep roots in Northeast Missouri, Graff brings years of experience in government and community service. She currently serves as a member of the Moberly City Council and was recently awarded the “Henry S. Geyer Award” from the Mizzou Alumni Association for her advocacy for higher education. Her husband, Jody, owns a habitat development business for waterfowl throughout North Missouri. Sarah’s background in grassroots leadership will provide a strong voice for the needs of Northeast Missouri families, businesses, and farmers.

Graff is a dedicated community leader, wife, and mother of four. She and her family are members of Timber Lake Christian Church. Graff also chairs the Board of Directors for the General Omar Bradley Memorial, Library, and Museum, was President of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her priorities include protecting the sanctity of life, the Second Amendment, and continuing to push Trump’s America First agenda in the state capitol.

Senate District 18 includes the counties of Adair, Audrain, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, and Shelby.

The post Press Release: Sarah Graff announces candidacy to replace term-limited Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin appeared first on The Missouri Times.