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John Voss, Cape Girardeau businessman, announces bid for state representative

Voss is seeking to replace Rep. Kathy Swan who is term-limited

Conservative businessman John Voss has thrown his hat into the ring for state representative with a campaign for HD 147

John Voss, a Cape Girardeau businessman, is running for state representative. (PROVIDED)

Voss is a Cape Girardeau native who has served on the city council, transportation committees, and the public library’s board of trustees. Additionally, Voss has chaired his local Republican Committee to help other like minded individuals get elected. 

“It was very rewarding to be able to work with the community to make Cape Girardeau an even greater place to raise a family and conduct business,” Voss said in a statement, noting his time on the city council and business experience have taught him fiscal restraint. “Missourians expect their government to live within its means, just like our families have to. I know what it’s like to balance a budget and cut government waste while investing in important projects. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it in Jefferson City.” 

Rep. Kathy Swan, a Republican, is term-limited and cannot run for the seat again. GOP Sen. Wayne Wallingford has also announced his candidacy for the district. He served one term in the House in 2011 before moving to the upper chamber. 

Voss, who has retired from Procter and Gamble after more than three decades, maintains the citizens of HD 147 want “a fresh set of eyes — a new conservative voice.” 

“I am pro-life and will always uphold the constitutional rights of all Missourians — including their right to life and right to bear arms,” Voss said. “I’m fiscally conservative and believe we need to use the resources we have to address our state’s challenges. We need to grow our economy and hold our government accountable to use our taxes responsibly by eliminating waste and bureaucracy. We need to allow our businesses to grow and thrive and help them by cutting read tape and getting out of the way.” 

The Friends of Wayne Wallingford committee reported having more than $82,800 cash on hand in the recently-released July filings. Voss did not have any reported filings. 

Voss and his wife have three children and live in Cape Girardeau. 

Swan is running for Wallingford’s SD 27 seat.