Note: This information is for 2017. Click here to view current information.
President Pro Tem – Republican
District 32 – Dade, Jasper and Newton
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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 2015, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as President Pro Tem of the Senate. He is the first person ever in the history of the State of Missouri to serve as Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate.
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 many organizations. 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 1972.
Born July 4, 1947 in Parsons, Kan., Sen. Richard lives in Joplin with his wife, Patty. They have two children: Kara and Chad, and five grandchildren, Natalie, Landon, Molly, Claire and Kathrine.
Legislative Service:
Elected to the Senate: 2010, 2014
House of Representatives: 2002 – 2010
Committee Membership:
Administration, Chairman
Gubernatorial Appointments, Chairman
Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics, Vice-Chairman
Joint Committee on Life Sciences
Joint Committee on Capitol Improvements
Joint Committee on Capitol Security
Senate Select Committee on Capital Improvements