Mike Parson

Michael L. "Mike" Parson (born September 17, 1955) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who serves as the 47th and current Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. He was a Republican member of the Missouri Senate representing the 28th district from 2011-2017. Previously, Parson served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives from the 133rd District (2005–2011). Parson served as the Majority Caucus Whip in the Senate during the 96th General Assembly.

Early life
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.

Missouri House of Representatives
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.

Missouri Senate
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.

Committee assignments

 * Sen. Parson served on the following committees during the 96th General Assembly:
 * Vice-Chairman - Agriculture, Food Production & Outdoor Resources.
 * Vice-Chairman - Small Business, Insurance & Industry.
 * Member - Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy & The Environment.

Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
Parson was sworn in along with Governor Eric Greitens on January 9, 2017.

Electoral history

 * No Democratic candidate ran for the 28th District seat.