I am running for Congress because I am frustrated with the lack of actual focus on issues of importance to folks living in SWMO. I am tired of the division being supported by and sewn by our current representation in Congress. This is NOT representation of MO-7. We need, deserve, and pay for representation. I would be honored to represent my people. My goal is to help those in my district live better lives, preserving programs like Social Security and Medicare, protecting our natural resources, improving access to quality healthcare and much more. We may all have different ideas on policy and how to get where we are going, but often we agree on the end goal: Compassion for all in our communities. Representation in the U.S. House for Missouri’s district 7 has been lacking in the last decades. When do we hear about what OUR Representative is doing for US? It is time for US to be represented for the unique and diverse needs of our district. I’ve been listening to you for years. It’s time to take action. We’re all tired of the divisive stuff being sewn. Send me to Washington to do some actual representation of you.

Sean Falconer is a healthcare professional, educator, and mediator with more than a decade of experience working directly with patients, families, and frontline staff. He holds a master’s degree in Communication, with specialized training in conflict and dispute resolution. Sean has taught at Missouri State University, and has trained hundreds of local hospital caregivers in crisis de-escalation and trauma-informed care. He has also worked collaboratively with social services, law enforcement, and the court system supporting high-needs youth and families across Missouri as a foster-care case manager. Sean’s deep faith shapes his sense of service and responsibility. He is active in his church, and has volunteered in humanitarian efforts across more than 15 countries. He is also a staunch advocate for respecting the constitutional limits that protect freedom of belief for all our neighbors. Sean and his wife are raising their family in Springfield, where they live, work, and serve their community.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm Betsy Fogle. I have lived in Springfield, Missouri most of my life. Plain and simple, I am a proud Springfieldian. I have worked in the public health field all of my professional career, and have been witness to the many challenges of building a healthy community. I have seen the obstacles faced when it comes to accessing quality care for many in our community. My goal is to be a representative of my district, of Springfield, and the region - moving Missouri forward through inclusive policy and advocacy. We all deserve a community that makes us feel welcomed, safe, and supported.

I am a woman who wears many hats. Not only am I a mother to two beautiful children, I am also a music therapist, educator, business owner and advocate. I have worked as a board certified music therapist for 15 years. Since completing my masters degree, I have worked as an adjunct professor at my alma mater, Drury University, teaching on the music therapy staff. In addition, I am a small business owner who started my business over 10 years ago, and just recently finished my term as the Vice President for the Midwest American Music Therapy Association. In addition, I have served as a team lead for the Springfield chapter of Moms Demand Action, working to reduce gun violence in our community and state.

As a small business owner and landlord, I bring a firsthand understanding of dedication and the importance of stable, affordable housing. I'm committed to policies that support local businesses, drive economic growth, and ensure quality housing for all. My personal journey fuels my advocacy for accessible and affordable healthcare while highlighting the importance of privacy in healthcare decisions. I believe in healthcare reform to eliminate financial barriers. Inspired by the Ozarks' natural beauty, I'm deeply dedicated to environmental protection, striving to promote sustainability, renewable energy, and preserve our environment for future generations.

Hey there! I’m Jeremy Dean, and I’m a life long Springfieldian. You can usually find me hanging out in Grant Beach or on C-Street. My journey? Well, it’s been a mix of heart and hustle in the non-profit world. Started out as a caregiver for folks with developmental disabilities, then made my way through healthcare clinics here in Springfield. From helping out in a Family Medicine clinic to running things at an OBGYN office, I got a real taste of how state decisions trickle down to affect everyday life. These days, spend my time trying to make a difference as an Operations Manager for a local non-profit that’s all about lifting up underserved communities. Now, when it comes to politics, I’m all about finding that middle ground. We need someone in Jefferson City who’s not playing party games but fighting for what’s right.

Katelyn is a Springfield transplant, but a proud product of her time here, so far. Katelyn holds a Political Science degree from Drury University, where she developed a deep commitment to being engaged in the community, and being politically active. Raised in a middle-class, two-parent Christian household in Topeka, KS, Katelyn learned the importance of hard work, compassion, empathy, and community at an early age. Today she carries those core values with her everywhere she goes, no matter what she is doing. Katelyn's path into public service started at a very young age, when she started clothing drives at the church she and her family attended. It became an annual tradition while they attended, that the "Mitten Tree" would be put up at the beginning of November, and right before Christmas, she would take all mittens, hats, and scarves collected, to the homeless shelter. This kind of work has continued in her life, just in different ways. While working at a local nonprofit in Northern Springfield, Katelyn watched families go through struggles that so many people in the Springfield community go through. From having to decide to pay rent or to buy food for their family. ​Katelyn believes that everyone deserves representation. Everyone deserves to have their voices heard. Everyone deserves access to affordable housing, affordable healthcare, a safe working environment with a livable wage, reproductive freedoms, and fully funded public education. She believes that no one, no matter where they are placed in society, should be left behind. Katelyn is committed to fighting for her community and voicing her districts concerns when it comes to legislation. One thing you can always count on Katelyn to do, is be blunt and honest. She is always willing to have the tough conversations, so that she can understand both sides of the issue and make decisions accordingly.

Springfield native K. Grant RN (Kelsey Grant) is a paramedic-trained registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and NREMT. Grant has been an active volunteer since his teens. “I fell in love with volunteering; I enjoy being able to step into different roles, learn new skills, and do a good thing in the process.” We asked Grant about why he chose nursing as a profession. “Honestly, it is the best job ever if you truly care about helping people. It is honest work. There is a reason why nurses are considered the most trusted professionals, and it goes back to our core training to be patient advocates and fiduciaries in our service to others.” Grant’s path into healthcare was no clear-cut path. Grant spent his teens completing an apprenticeship in culinary arts. In his early twenties, he found himself attending the famous Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he graduated with honors and perfect attendance. What led you into healthcare after a twenty-plus-year career as a professional chef? “I had a personal tragedy in my life that caused me to refocus my priorities on the things I valued most, and the things I wanted to get out of my life. As much as I loved cooking, standing in a kitchen sixteen hours a day or more at times does take a toll, and time is the most valuable thing on earth. After twenty-plus years, I was ready to move on.” What led you to decide to run for state office? “As a nurse, you see people at their best and at their worst, and you see the struggles that they're facing in their daily lives. It's pretty hard to ignore those issues. I had no master plan to become a politician or to get involved in politics. But I answered the call as a volunteer to serve my community, and it led me to this role. I am a moderate, middle-of-the-road guy. I find that politics have become very polarizing, hostile, and there's a great divide in our country that I have never seen at any time in my life. Division is not good. I feel like it's time for someone to actually do the job of representative, for what the job really is.” Grant wants to be a representative for the people, to do the right thing, and not to take advantage of the position to enrich oneself. I view this role as an extension of the nursing profession, being a true advocate for hardworking families in Missouri.

John Chiles, a college instructor and entrepreneur with a focus on sustainability, is running for House District 135 as a Democrat. A Springfield native, Chiles attended Glendale High School and graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and mathematics before moving to the West Coast to learn more about renewable energy. While out west, Chiles earned a master of business administration from Presidio Graduate School in Seattle, which has since merged with the University of Redlands. He also held a variety of jobs, working at a hydroelectric power plant, a green builder and a cleantech angel investment firm. In 2018, Chiles moved back to Springfield to start the Ozarks Renewal LLC with his dad, Mike Chiles. Originally intended to oversee the construction of greenhouses powered by waste heat from the landfill and a data center, the organization has since evolved into a consulting firm, through which the father-son duo can help communities across the country build similar projects. A former carpenter, Chiles is the founder of Embersound, a Springfield-based company that creates natural-acoustic phone speakers made from Ozarks hardwoods. Chiles also works part-time for his alma mater, teaching impact investing and venture capital in the University of Redlands’ Presidio Center. He primarily teaches online, but flies out west “every month or so” to deliver a lecture in-person. Outside of his work, Chiles is a former board member of the Springfield Community Gardens, and longtime volunteer of Y-bees, a group that supports YMCA Camp Wakonda.

Stephanie Hein has a lifelong devotion to the state of Missouri, its people and its values, that will guide her faithfully as a member of the Missouri General Assembly. Stephanie understands the importance of interacting in community life outside of one's career. She is the past chair of the Springfield Convention and Visitor Bureau Board of Directors and was named one of Springfield’s Influential Women in 2014. Stephanie remains an active member of the Rotary Club of Springfield, which is part of an influential worldwide organization whose creed values truth, fairness, fellowship and service above self. Stephanie loves working alongside others to achieve the highest-value results for all. She brings the know-how, compassion and common sense needed to reach the goals of providing economic security, educational opportunity, and quality healthcare access to all Missourians.

Bryce F. Lockwood is a decorated Marine veteran who has a Purple Heart and Silver Star for his efforts aboard USS Liberty when it was attacked by a foreign country. He is running for MO House Seat for the 137th District. Election is November 3, 2026.

I’m running for County Auditor because strong and independent oversight is essential to maintaining trust in local government. The auditor is responsible for verifying that spending is appropriate, budgets are followed, and systems are in place to prevent waste or misuse of funds. That independence ensures government remains accountable to the people it serves. With over a decade of experience in accounting and finance, I am stepping forward because I have the financial expertise and the commitment to serve as that independent voice. My focus will be on transparency, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring financial decisions are clear, defensible, and aligned with the needs of Greene County residents. This role is about stewardship, and I am running to ensure every public dollar is managed with integrity and care.