Senator Ron Richard represents the 32nd Senatorial District, which includes the citizens of Dade, Newton, and Jasper counties. His time in the State Legislature began in 2002, when he began serving as a State Representative for the 129th House District. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Speaker of the House in 2008. In November 2010, he was elected as State Senator, and as the first Speaker of the House to be elected to the Missouri Senate in 100 years.

In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Richard is a partner in A&R Development, C&R Development Corp., and has full duties with C&N Bowl Corporation. He is the former mayor of Joplin, serving from 1994-97. He also served on the Joplin City Council from 1990-94.

Sen. Richard is a member of the following organizations: Joplin Elks Lodge; Joplin Chamber of Commerce; NFIB; Joplin Industrial & Development Authority (former member); Kiwanis; Farm Bureau; Scottish Rite Bodies; Valley of Joplin; Knights of Columbus; former member, Professional Bowlers Association; Chairman, Joplin 353 Downtown Development Corp.; and member of the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program Board (MOST). He has received the following awards: 2003 – Missouri Southern State University Outstanding Alumni; 2004 – RCGA Statesman Award, St. Louis Business Journal Legislative Award, Community College Award, and Repeat Republican National Convention 7th District Delegate.

A 1965 graduate of McAuley High School, Sen. Richard received a bachelor of arts from Missouri Southern State University in 1969 and a master of arts from Southwest Missouri State University in 1971.

Born July 4, 1947 in Parsons, Kan., Sen. Richard lives in Joplin with his wife, Patty. They have two children: Kara and Chad and three grandchildren: Natalie, Landon, and Molly