Senator Jane Cunningham, a Republican, represents the 7th Senatorial District in west and northwest St. Louis County. She previously served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives, and was chairwoman of the House Education Committee from 2003-2008.

Senator Cunningham was chairwoman of the Education Task Force, and served on the board of directors of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the largest voluntary organization of legislators and business leaders in the country. She was also a delegate to the 1992 Republican National Convention, and was the only woman representing Missouri on the 1992 Republican National Platform Committee, serving with John Ashcroft.

Senator Cunningham's work has been recognized with the following awards:

• George W. Parker Legislator of the Year Award in 2011
• Best Elected Official by the readers of West Newsmagazine
• St. Louis Business Journal Legislator of the Year Award
• St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association Statesman Award.
• The National Leaders in Learning Award, presented by Cable in the Classroom, which recognizes the most innovative education policymakers in the country.
• Legislator of the Year Award, presented by the Education Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

In addition to her legislative duties, Sen. Cunningham represents England & Company Case Management, Inc., a medical and vocational rehabilitation company in St. Louis.

She received her Bachelor of Science in business administration, with an emphasis in economics and marketing from Florida State University. Senator Cunningham is married to Gary Cunningham, a former presidential appointee, who has served in the U.S. Department of Justice and as deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2004-2009. They have two grown sons: Bret, an owner of Austin Management Partners and Best Fit Media in Texas, and Scott, an officer in the U.S. Navy.