Graves reflects on 26 years in Congress, looks toward next chapter

In an interview for Show Me Missourah, Congressman Sam Graves discussed his decision to leave Congress after 26 years, his record of delivering federal investments to Missouri and what comes next after his departure from Washington.

Graves, who represents Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, said he never expected to serve in Congress for 26 years but believes now is the right time to move on. He pointed to changing politics, the loss of longtime supporters and his desire to pursue another career as factors in his decision. He won his most recent election with 71% of the vote, an all-time high for his campaign.

“I’ve got another career left in me,” Graves said. “I want to get started on whatever that’s going to be and move forward.”

That next chapter will likely involve consulting, with Graves saying he plans to help businesses, particularly in agriculture, transportation and the defense industry, navigate federal government operations and procurement.

Looking back on his congressional career, Graves pointed to infrastructure investments as a major part of his legacy. He highlighted the completion of Highway 36 as a four-lane route across Missouri, improvements to Interstate 70, bridge replacement projects and transportation investments throughout the state.

Graves also discussed his approach to legislating, saying he hopes to be remembered as a bipartisan lawmaker who could work across party lines to get legislation passed. He cited recognition from the University of Virginia’s policy institute, which named him the most effective legislator of the 218th Congress.

“I pride myself on being a good legislator, an old-school legislator, and a bipartisan legislator,” Graves said.

He was also critical of the growing divisions in Congress, arguing that political extremes have made it more difficult to reach compromises and get legislation across the finish line.

Despite leaving Congress, Graves said he plans to remain in his hometown of Tarkio and stay connected to communities throughout North Missouri. He also intends to remain involved in his family’s farming operation, which is now in its seventh generation.

The full interview also covered Graves’ early political career, his time in the Missouri General Assembly, his experience during the Sept. 11 attacks, and his work on transportation policy in Congress.

The interview with Graves will first air on Saturday, November 7, with additional broadcasts scheduled for November 8 and November 22. The interview will also be posted to YouTube on November 7.

Jake Kroesen

Jake Kroesen serves as the Editor of the Missouri Times. He hails from Independence, Missouri and enjoys all things Jackson County. A graduate of UCM, he obtained his degree in Political Science.