Jay Wasson (born October 24, 1956) is an American politician and businessman who served as a member of the Missouri Senate for the 20th district from 2011 to 2019.[1] Previously, Wasson served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives (2002–2010).[2]

Jay Wasson
Member of the Missouri Senate
from the 20th district
In office
January 5, 2011 – November 1, 2018
Preceded byDan Clemens
Succeeded byEric Burlison
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives
from the 141st district
In office
January 8, 2003 – January 5, 2011
Preceded byJudy Berkstresser
Succeeded byKevin Elmer
Personal details
Born (1956-10-24) October 24, 1956 (age 68)
Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseRetha
EducationDrury University

Early life and education

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Born in nearby Springfield, Jay Wasson was raised in Nixa, Missouri. His ancestors settled in Nixa in 1867.[3] After graduation from Nixa Public High School in 1974, Wasson attended Drury University.[4]

Career

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Outside of politics, Wasson works as a real estate developer.[citation needed] He is also a company officer for St. John's Health Systems, Inc.[citation needed]

Missouri Legislature

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Wasson first entered statewide politics in 2002, winning the first of four consecutive terms to the Missouri House of Representatives. Term-limited by Missouri law from running for Representative again, Wasson mounted a successful campaign in 2010 for the Missouri Senate, defeating Democrat Terry Traw to replace term-limited Senator Dan Clemens.[5][6] During his tenure in the Senate, Wasson served as chair of the Economic Development Committee.[7]

2022 congressional election

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In September 2021, Wasson declared his candidacy for Missouri's 7th congressional district in the 2022 election.[8]

Personal life

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Wasson and his wife, Retha, live in Nixa.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Missouri Sen. Wasson resigns to join Tourism Commission". Associated Press. 2 November 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
  2. ^ "Missouri House of Representatives". House.mo.gov. 1956-10-24. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  3. ^ a b "Senator Jay Wasson". Senate.mo.gov. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  4. ^ "Project Vote Smart – Senator Jay Wasson – Biography". Votesmart.org. 1956-10-24. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  5. ^ "Traw, Wasson square off in 20th District | Greene County Democratic Central Committee". Gcmodemocrats.org. 2010-10-20. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  6. ^ "State of Missouri - Election Night Results". sos.mo.gov. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
  7. ^ "Jay Wasson". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
  8. ^ Staff, KY3. "Former Christian County lawmaker Jay Wasson announces bid for U.S. Congress". ky3.com. Retrieved 2021-09-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)