Missouri Times 2026 30 Under 30 Honorees

The Missouri Times is proud to present the 2026 class of 30 Under 30, recognizing the young leaders helping shape the future of Missouri. From lobbyists and Capitol staffers to campaign professionals, advocates, and more, this year’s honorees are making their mark across the state through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making Missouri a better place.

The list will be updated in the coming days as additional honorees are announced.

Congratulations to the 2026 Missouri Times 30 Under 30 class!

Anna AuBuchon

“Anna AuBuchon currently serves as a legislative assistant to Missouri State Senator Curtis Trent. Additionally, she has assisted HRCC for two years both interning and canvassing across the state of Missouri. Her professional interests include constituent engagement, fiscal responsibility, and rural community development. 

Anna is completing a bachelor’s degrees in political science and public policy at the University of Missouri and plans to continue in the Master of Public Affairs program.”

Anna was nominated by Hannah Beers-Sutton, Executive Director of HRCC

Anna Littrell

“Anna Littrell has expanded the program’s reach and strengthened its impact across the state. She has built and maintained strong relationships with business owners in every corner of Missouri, elevated the program’s visibility within the Capitol, and played a direct role in helping Missouri-made products secure shelf space and market opportunities in store across the state. 

Her work has made a tangible difference for small businesses, and her leadership reflects the very best of the next generation of Missouri professionals.”

Anna was nominated by the Lt. Governor’s Office

Bennett Lyday

“Bennett Lyday serves as Legislative Aide and lead advisor to United States Senator Eric Schmitt on agriculture, nutrition, energy, natural resources, environment, public works, and emergency management. He also manages the Senator’s policy priorities within his portfolio throughout the drafting, introduction, and committee processes across both chambers of Congress. Prior to joining Senator Schmitt’s office, Bennett served as Policy and Operations Specialist for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

Bennett is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri, where he was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and served as By-Law Chairman and an Interfraternity Council Judicial Board Hearing Officer. He was honored for his leadership by the Delta Chi International Fraternity with the Outstanding Officer Award. Originally from Eureka, Bennett volunteered as a Junior Firefighter with the Eureka Fire Protection District.”

Bennett was nominated by Sen. Eric Schmitt’s Office

Braden Havilk 

“Braden Havlik is a Missouri native from Silex, currently based in Columbia, MO, where he attends the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. A graduate of Silex High School, Braden has been deeply involved in Missouri FFA, serving as the state’s National Officer Candidate this past year. He has also gained experience in state government, having interned in Representative Chad Perkins’ office and now working in Governor Mike Kehoe’s office. 

Guided by his values of faith, family, friends, and agriculture, Braden lives by the motto “Leadership is an action, not a position” a philosophy reflected in his continued commitment to public service and the agricultural community.”

Braden was nominated by Aaron Baker of Axiom Strategies

Cade Tremain

“Cade Tremain exemplifies the best of Missouri politics. No matter your organization or party affiliation, Cade is a friendly face to all, and a force of positivity and kindness on even the longest days of the legislative session. Now serving as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Governmental Policy for the Department of Health and Senior Services, Cade directs a legislative agenda that includes the agency’s $2 billion budget and numerous health initiatives, while also providing constituent services.

Cade’s success is a testament to his work ethic. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Central Missouri, he initially served the state in higher education before moving to the private sector, and has now returned to public service. At each stage of his promising career, he has been committed to excellent public policy work and continues to deliver in his current role. 

Outside of politics, Cade is an avid hiker and enjoys spending time outdoors discovering Missouri’s hidden gems.”

Cade was nominated by Justin Cobb, Assistant Director of Regulatory Affairs, Kansas Farm Bureau 

Carolyn Niswonger

“Carolyn Niswonger’s career in Missouri politics started in 2018, when she was a junior at the University of Missouri, Columbia and joined Claire McCaskill’s reelection campaign as an intern.  What started as an internship quickly turned into a passion for politics and public service.  After graduating in 2020, she worked for the Missouri Democratic Party, local central committees, and campaigns around the state, gaining experience in everything from grassroots organizing to campaign strategy.

She eventually returned to Mid-MO as a legislative staffer in the Missouri Senate for Senator Mosley.  She then headed back to the campaign trail in 2024, serving as Field Director for Senator Patty Lewis and later for Lucas Kunce’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Today, she directs the state policy initiatives for the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter, where she advocates for environmental protections and sustainable energy policy.  With now 3 sessions under her belt, she has proven to be a rising star and a valuable asset in the environmental policy space.”

Carolyn was nominated by by Dawn Nicklas

Cole Christensen

“Cole Christensen has built a career rooted in public service, hard work, and a commitment to strengthening families and communities.

 Cole served four years in the North Dakota House of Representatives, where he was among the youngest elected officials in state history and one of the youngest legislators in the country.  During his tenure, he became the first state legislator in the nation to establish a legal distinction between human personhood and artificial intelligence.  He also successfully authored and passed legislation affirming parents as the primary stakeholders in their children’s upbringing and education.

While serving in the Legislature, Cole continued working as a welder in the Bakken oil fields and contracting alongside his family, bringing firsthand experience from the trades and small business to public service.

Cole met his wife, Mazzie Christensen, during his time in the Legislature.  They married in November 2023 and made their home in Missouri.

For the past year and a half, Cole has served as Manager of Agency Outreach for the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, helping county officials, businesses, and citizens navigate state government and connect with the resources they need.  His work has taken him to nearly every county in Missouri.

Throughout his career, Cole has remained committed to serving others and ensuring government works for the people it represents.  This October, Cole and Mazzie will begin their most exciting chapter yet as they welcome their first child.”

Cole was nominated by the Secretary of State’s Office

Colbey Stosberg

“Colbey Stosberg is a high-impact team player who began his career in state government at just 20 years old. In less than two years with the AGO, he has quickly distinguished himself through his policy analysis, strategic guidance and ability to support the work of Attorneys General Bailey and Hanaway and their senior staff.

As a member of both the AGO’s communications and policy teams, Colbey plays an important role in developing and delivering messaging to the media and key stakeholder groups, while ensuring external engagement is aligned with broader policy and communications strategies. He brings a level of thoughtfulness, initiative and professionalism that belies his years of experience.

Colbey has already made a significant impact in a relatively short time, and it will be exciting to watch his continued growth and upward trajectory in the years ahead.”

Colbey was nominated by the Attorney General’s Office

Emily Beers

“Emily Beers is passionate about serving others and making a meaningful impact in the community. Now based in Jefferson City, Emily serves as the Communications & Outreach Manager for ServMO and works across community relations, event management, and helping translate ideas into engaging experiences and effective public-facing initiatives. Working with partners such as AmeriCorps, the 9/11 Day Organization, and the America 250 Missouri Commission to create and advertise accessible service opportunities for all Missourians has forged new pathways to giving back in an increasingly isolated age. 

Emily is committed to mobilizing Missourians to serve, creating a stronger community and positioning Missouri as a national leader in service. Emily is a 2021 graduate of Evangel University.”

Emily was nominated by Pat Thomas

Isabelle Bryson

“Isabelle Bryson currently serves as deputy communications director, and she has served the Missouri Attorney General’s Office since June 2022 when she started as a Communications and Constituent Services Intern while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Bryson continued with the Office on the Communications team through the transition of two Missouri Attorneys General.

Bryson, a native of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been responsible for formulating content and strategies for social media, composing press releases, coordinating media events and conferences.  She earned an Associate of Arts in Communication from Crowder College, graduating with honors. Bryson also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a political communication emphasis and a multi-cultural studies certificate from the University of Missouri–Columbia, and completed course work at the University of Alicante, in Alicante, Spain, graduating with honors.”

Isabelle was nominated by the Attorney General’s Office

The list will be updated in the coming days as additional honorees are announced.