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Karla Eslinger announces bid to replace term-limited Rowland

Karla Eslinger, a Republican from Wasola, has announced her intent to replace term-limited Rep. Lyle Rowland. The district encompasses all of Ozark and Douglas Counties and a portion of Taney County.

Eslinger, who has lived in Missouri her entire life, is an educator by trade. After receiving her BS at College of the Ozarks, she obtained her master’s and specialist degrees at Missouri State University in Springfield and her doctorate degree at the University of Missouri.

A social conservative, Eslinger is committed to the Right to Life and the Second Amendment. She will also focus her legislative priorities on improving education opportunities for all Missourians.

“I have always been passionate about educating our youth and have loved every opportunity I have been given to work with our children and communities. I began my career as an elementary school teacher and later a superintendent,” said Eslinger. She eventually went on to become an Assistant Commissioner of Education with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education during the Matt Blunt Administration.

Her most recent role saw her serving as a Senior Education Analyst, working with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., where she worked with state agencies and school districts in the support and development of educators, assisted in the development and implementation of personalized learning, and literacy programs.

Committed to family values and our rural way of life, Eslinger is married to her husband and small business owner, David Eslinger. Together they have two children, Katy and Chelsey.

“As an educator, I believe our first priority should be our children and making sure they have access to a quality education, regardless of where they live,” added Eslinger. “I know that strong communities are best positioned to have quality schools.”

“Living in a rural area, I also understand the unique challenges of our rural educational systems, especially in vocational education. I will also work for improved access to high-speed internet, which could prove extremely beneficial for allowing our students to have access to courses and increased learning opportunities.”

Eslinger is a member of the local Republican Party and the regional Delta Kappa Gamma chapter.

Eslinger has retained Axiom Strategies to consult on her campaign.

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