A New Beginning for Our State
Today was nothing short of incredible. It was my first day in the Missouri Senate, and I couldn’t be more thankful for how far we've come, both as a state and as a family. As I stood there for the first time, sworn into office, a wave of gratitude swept over me. The journey that led me here has been filled with hard work, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of many.
A Humbling Experience
As I raised my hand and took the oath of office, I couldn’t help but reflect on the road that brought me here. This moment was made possible by the Lord’s grace and by the tireless efforts of my wife, Renee, our family. I’m so blessed to have such a strong foundation at home, and I know that without their unwavering support, none of this would be possible.
To my family—thank you for your encouragement, your sacrifices, and your love. You’ve been my rock through every step of this journey, and I can’t wait to continue working together to make Missouri a better place for all of us.
And to my friends, my volunteers, and all of my supporters—today is as much yours as it is mine. I can’t tell you how much it means to have so many of you by my side. I’m especially grateful for those who traveled to the Capitol to be part of this momentous day. Your presence and your support remind me that this isn’t just my journey; it’s our collective journey toward a brighter future for Missouri.
A Day of Historic Firsts
The energy at the Capitol today was palpable. There was something truly special about it—the feeling that we were at the beginning of something much larger than ourselves. One of the highlights of today was the election of Senator Cindy O'Laughlin as Missouri's first female president pro tem of the Senate.
This is a historic moment, and I want to congratulate her on this monumental achievement. Senator O'Laughlin’s leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges ahead, and I’m excited to work with her to ensure Missouri remains a place where all families can thrive.
Her election as president pro tem isn’t just a victory for her, but for all women in Missouri. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership knows no gender, and that with hard work and dedication, we can all break down barriers and make history. I look forward to collaborating with Senator O'Laughlin to build a Senate that serves all Missourians, regardless of background or circumstance.
What We Will Work Toward
As I look ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future. Missouri is a state of great promise, and I am committed to working hard every day to make it a place where families are safer, taxes are lower, the economy is stronger, and our people are healthier and happier.
Safety is always a top priority. Every Missouri family deserves to live in a community where they feel secure, whether they’re at home, at work, or out with friends. I will work to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the resources and support they need to protect us, and that our criminal justice system is fair and just for all.
In Jackson County, we have a serious challenge with real property taxes. This isn’t acceptable. I’m dedicated to doing everything I can to protect home owners & property rights by working toward capping increases and requiring elected assessors in every county.
And, of course, our education system is in desperate need of attention. Our children should not be robbed of quality education and it’s our duty to give them a solid educational foundation and the skills they need to achieve their dreams and God-given purpose.
But I know that we can’t do any of this alone. I’m not here to simply pass laws—I’m here to build partnerships, foster collaboration, and listen to the concerns of the people I serve. Our work in the Senate will be shaped by the needs and the voices of Missourians across the state.
Gratitude and Hope for the Future
As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude to the Lord for His guidance, for keeping me focused and giving me the strength to rise to this challenge. Gratitude to Renee, my family, and all of you who have believed in me and supported me along the way. And gratitude to the people of District 11, who have entrusted me with the privilege of serving as your Senator.
I’ve always believed that leadership is about service—about listening to the people, understanding their concerns, and working together to solve the issues that matter most. Today marked the beginning of that service.
There’s a lot of work to be done, but I am confident that, together, we can build a Missouri that works for everyone. A Missouri where our families are safer, our businesses thrive, and our children have access to the opportunities they deserve. A Missouri that is the envy of the nation.
Thank you again to everyone who has helped me get here. This is just the beginning. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the days, months, and years to come.
God bless you, and God bless the great state of Missouri.
