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 67)
Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseRetha
EducationDrury University

Early life and education edit

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

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

Personal life edit

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

References edit

  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)