FULTON, Mo. – Travis Fitzwater filed to run to represent the 49th House District 49 days before his current general election opponent. Former longtime state representative and director Department of Employment Security Gracia Yancey Backer is now Fitzwater’s opponent after some political
maneuvering, but he isn’t intimidated. Backer was first elected to the House in 1982, the same year that former senators and current lobbyists Franc Flotron and Larry Rohrbach were elected to the House.
“Any American can run for office once they meet the legal requirements (age, residency in district, etc.), which is one of the great things about living in this country,” Fitzwater said. “I never got into this thinking I was in it without a challenge. We are prepared for a challenge and to work hard. I can only control what I can control. No matter whom we were face, we were ready to hit the ground running and to get out there to show who we are and why I am the best person for this. It is going to be a challenge, but it is something we expected. We never assumed it would be easy.”
Fitzwater is Rep. Tim Remole’s son-in-law and has made Holts Summit, Missouri his home for his growing family. He says Remole has given him and his family a “couple of full doses of reality” on what to expect at the Capitol.
“You really start thinking about taking it upon yourself to create the government that you want,” he said.
He previously gained political relationships and experience in policy by advocating for conservative groups and working for the Missouri Pharmacy Association. Fitzwater’s background is in marketing and ministry. His love for his new hometown and family is what motivated him to run for office.
“I fell in love with this area and with Missouri,” he said. “The most exciting thing about being elected
would be to serve the people in Jefferson City.”
For Fitzwater, he hopes to move Missouri farther up in the ranks for the agriculture and energy industries, if elected. His hopes for the state’s future and conservative views are what he believes to make him a great match for the 49th District.
“The 49th District is very, very conservative and the people want a legislator that is going to keep government out of their life,” he said. “We need to create an environment where businesses can succeed. As far as policy and ideals go, we have the best platform.”
Fitzwater’s campaign has been aggressively campaigning through grassroots, regularly knocking doors, appearing in local parades, and going to local Republican groups to hear from voters. He describes himself as optimistic, which reflects his continued outlook on the race.
“The bottom line is I’m a leader and I’m good at connecting with people,” Fitzwater said. “I can enter this office with established relationships with important decision makers in the House and Senate, which will help accomplish our goals for the 49th District.”
In April, Backer reported having raised almost $9,500, while Fitwater has raised over $40,000 for this election.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
