Local educator Ann Kelley has announced her candidacy for state representative of House District 127. The district is comprised of Barton and Dade County, and includes part of Jasper and Cedar County.
Since her formal announcement was made, Kelley has remained busy meeting with members of her community and connecting with voters.
“I am running for State Representative because I want to make things better for all Missourians—plain and simple,” Kelley said. “I love my community and now is the time to represent their interests in Jefferson City. My husband, Mike, has done a magnificent job advocating on behalf of the good people of the 127th district and I hope to continue this tradition in 2019.”
Kelley, who is an 8th grade English teacher with the Lamar School District, has lived in Barton County her entire life. She grew up on a small farm just west of Lamar and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle-school Science and English from Missouri Southern State University. She went on to obtain her Masters in Curriculum and Middle School Reading and Writing from Grand Canyon University.
The Kelley family includes one son, Brenden, 17, who is a student at Lamar High School. The family attends Oakton Methodist Church.
In addition to her career as an educator with the public-school system, Kelley has also owned and operated a small daycare. Her passion for helping children extends beyond the classroom: when she is not teaching, Kelley stays busy working with students as the sponsor of the Student Council, in addition to her duties with the Parent Teacher Organization. She also volunteers at school football games and has organized a Christmas breakfast at the Lamar Senior Center.
“My experiences and work as an educator gives me a unique insight into the needs of the community and what values are important to the people in this area. From my time owning a daycare, to teaching children every day, I have come to understand the struggles that many of my neighbors face. Every day, I strive to make sure my students reach their full potential—I will bring that same passion and level of care to Jefferson City.”
Kelley cites her faith as a motivating factor in seeking to run, believing that the genuine needs of the people go before politics.
“I want to serve the people in my district,” Kelley said. “I believe that through Christ’s strength and wisdom, we will carve out a better future.”
Kelley has retained Axiom Strategies to consult on her campaign.
