Mike Parson | |
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47th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri | |
Assumed office January 9, 2017 |
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Governor | Eric Greitens |
Preceded by | Peter Kinder |
Member of the Missouri Senate from the 28th district |
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In office January 5, 2011 – January 4, 2017 |
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Preceded by | Delbert Scott |
Succeeded by | Vacant |
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 133rd district |
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In office January 2005 – January 5, 2011 |
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Preceded by | Ronnie Miller |
Succeeded by | Sue Entlicher |
Personal details | |
Born |
Clinton, Missouri, U.S. |
September 17, 1955
Political party | Republican |
Education |
University of Maryland, College Park University of Hawaii, Manoa |
Website | Government website |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Michael L. "Mike" Parson (born September 17, 1955) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who serves as the 47th and current Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. He is also a second-term Republican member of the Missouri Senate representing the 28th district. Previously, Parson served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives from the 133rd District (2004–2010). Parson served as the Majority Caucus Whip in the Senate during the 96th General Assembly.
Mike Parson was born in Clinton, Missouri and raised on a farm in Hickory County. Following graduation from Wheatland (Missouri) High School in 1973 Parson served six years in the US Army. He received higher education at the University of Maryland and University of Hawaii. A third generation Missouri family farmer, Parson owns and operates a cow-calf operation near Bolivar when not busy with his legislative duties. Parson and wife Teresa have two grown children and five grandchildren.
Parson served twelve years as Polk County sheriff before first being elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2004. He was subsequently reelected in 2006 and 2008. In 2010 Parson survived a tough primary campaign against two fellow Republican state representatives, Ed Emery and Larry Wilson. In the November general election he defeated Constitution Party candidate Bennie Hatfield to win his first term in the Missouri Senate.
Committee assignments: Sen. Parson will serve on the following committees during the 96th General Assembly: