Senator Ron Richard represents the 32nd Senatorial District, which includes the citizens of Dade, Newton and Jasper counties. His time in the Missouri Legislature began in 2002, when he was elected to the House of Representatives, serving the 129th District. He was chosen by his colleagues to serve as speaker of the House in 2008. Senator Richard was the first speaker from Newton County and the second from the region since Dick Webster in Jasper County.

In November 2010, he was elected to the Senate, becoming the first House speaker to serve in the Senate in 100 years. He was chosen to serve as majority floor leader in 2012. Senator Richard was elected to a second Senate term in 2014 and again was selected as majority floor leader.

In addition to his legislative work, Sen. Richard has full duties with C&N Bowl Corporation in Joplin. He served as mayor of Joplin from 1994-97, and on the Joplin City Council from 1990-94.

Senator Richard is a member of the following organizations: Joplin Elks Lodge; Joplin Chamber of Commerce; NFIB; Kiwanis; Farm Bureau; Scottish Rite Bodies; Valley of Joplin; and Knights of Columbus. He has received numerous awards from business, industry and education entities throughout the state.

A 1965 graduate of McAuley High School, Sen. Richard received a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University in 1969 and a master’s degree from 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 four grandchildren, Natalie, Landon, Molly and Claire.