Local family farmer Kurtis Gregory has announced his candidacy for State Representative of House District 51 as a Republican, comprised of Saline, Johnson, and Pettis Counties. The seat is currently held by Dean Dohrman, who is term-limited and cannot run again.
“It’s a great honor to be able to run to represent the community I have spent my entire life in,” said Gregory. “I was born and raised here, and I care about the wellbeing of our community and the livelihoods of the people here. As a farmer, I feel it is important that the people writing agriculture policy in Jefferson City know the everyday struggles of farmers and ranchers in our state. I am looking to be a strong voice for agriculture and rural communities in Jefferson City.”
Gregory grew up in the district, attending Trinity Lutheran School in Alma and then Santa Fe High School also located in Alma. He earned his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in General Agriculture from the University of Missouri while also playing football from 2005-2009, serving as team captain in 2009. Gregory owns a farm alongside his wife, Kella and his parents Roger and Ruth. Together, they farm over 1,100 acres, manage 350 cows and help custom feed 2,400 pigs. Gregory is also registered as a life insurance sales agent.
In addition to his work as a farmer, Gregory has served on the board of directors for Missouri Corn Growers, and is a local delegate for MFA Oil. He remains on the Advisory Board for Royalty Capital Corporation. Gregory is also a member of the Saline County Farm Bureau and the Missouri Red Angus Association.
Gregory has stated that he wants to pursue policy that helps Missouri’s agricultural industry and rural areas, “Agriculture is my life. As farmers, we have to make sure we tell our story before a faraway politician or bureaucrat tells it for us. I am in a unique position to be able to go to Jefferson City and be able to tell my story and help educate lawmakers. We need sensible ag policy since agriculture is the largest industry in the state. in this state. We also need to support rural communities through investments in infrastructure, economic development, and quality education. Finally, I want to protect Missourians Constitutional rights, including the right to bear arms.”
Gregory and his wife have three children, Brook, Landon, and Henley. The family attends Calvary Baptist Church in Marshall. In his free time, Gregory enjoys golfing, hunting, and fishing.
Gregory has retained Axiom Strategies to serve as consultants on his campaign.
