JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) has announced that Casey Wheat has been named as the Interim Executive Director for the 2018 election cycle.
Wheat takes over after the departure of previous executive director, Robert Knodell, who is now serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Mike Parson.
“We thank Robert Knodell for everything he has done to prepare HRCC for a successful political cycle,” House Speaker Todd Richardson said. “At the same time, we are very confident that Casey will be able to step up into this new role without hesitation and will continue to work to strengthen and preserve our supermajority in the Missouri House.”
Wheat comes to the role with a background in Republican politics, having worked in grassroots campaigns for GOP candidates in 2012, before joining the HRCC team for the 2014 cycle in Jefferson County, where she staffed some of the most competitive races.
In February 2016, Wheat joined the HRCC staff in a full-time capacity, taking on the role of Political Director where she worked alongside Knodell to maintain a record number of seats in the Missouri House.
“Casey is a natural fit for this position,” House Majority Leader Rob Vescovo said. “After spending the last several years working hard for our caucus I have no doubt that she will succeed in her new role.”
Wheat will continue to work with Finance Director Wes Sutton on the HRCC professional staff and oversee the largest field program in HRCC history.
“Casey is well known and trusted by our caucus,” Speaker-designee Elijah Haahr said. “I’m happy to see her embrace this opportunity and continue her work with HRCC.”
Wheat is a native of Bonne Terre, Missouri and a graduate of Missouri State University. She was named to The Missouri Times Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list and resides with her husband, Curt, in Jefferson City.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
