Three Republicans, Mark Harder of Ballwin, Jim Bowlin of Wildwood and David Gregory of Chesterfield are vying to be the District 15 state senator. Republican Andrew Koenig of Manchester has held the seat since 2016. He is termed out and running for Missouri state treasurer. Gregory did not return a Leader questionnaire.
The winner of the August primary will run against Democrat Joe Pereles of Chesterfield and Libertarian Jeff Coleman of Chesterfield.
District 15 includes a large portion of southwest and west St. Louis County, including all or parts of Ballwin, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Ellisville, Manchester, Town and Country, Twin Oaks, Valley Park, Wildwood, Winchester and unincorporated St. Louis County.
According to the 2023-2024 Official Manual State of Missouri, state legislators received a salary of $39,264.
Harder, 63, of Ballwin is a self-employed real estate broker with Remax Results. He is a St. Louis County councilman. He is married to Kathryn and they have two sons, three grandchildren and another on the way. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and political science from University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Bowlin, 59, of Wildwood is the CEO of Keystone Mutual Insurance Co. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in 1986, was a Piper Scholar to London School of Economics via IES in 1985 and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri.
Jim Bowlin
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organization membership, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Harder: I was a Ballwin alderman for three years and have been on the St. Louis County Council for nine years. I am an elected member of the Municipal League of St. Louis and executive board member of Progress 64 West. I am a member of the West County and Chesterfield chambers. Service to my community has been a large part of my family and career.
Bowlin: Wildwood council member, 2014-2016; Wildwood mayor, 2016-2020; St. Louis Corporate Counsel Association president, 1999; and Wildwood Lion’s Club member, 2016 to present.
What specific needs exist in your district, and how would you address them?
Harder: Our district needs enhanced public safety, better educational opportunities, and economic growth. I will support law enforcement with necessary resources, advocate for more school choice and equitable funding to improve education, and implement policies to attract businesses and create jobs. By addressing these areas, we can ensure a safer, more prosperous community where families can thrive.
Bowlin: There are two, which are related - stopping illegal immigration and reducing crime. My plan for fixing illegal immigration includes cracking down on entities that assist in resettling illegal immigrants, immediate incarceration of illegals, and deploying Missouri’s National Guard at the southern border. My six-point plan for reducing crime involves tougher sentences for fentanyl-related crimes and burglaries, mandatory cash bonds for second offenders, and stricter handling of juveniles who commit crimes.
According to many state legislators, the latest session wasn’t as productive as they would have liked with a near record-low number of bills passed. What do you think needs to be changed to address the problem?
Harder: To address the legislative inefficiency, we need to foster better collaboration and focus on prioritizing key issues. Streamlining the legislative process, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and building consensus on critical matters can ensure that essential bills are passed and our state progresses.
Bowlin: We need a senator who will stand strong for District 15, and work with members of the Republican party without engaging in personal agendas. We need a statesman. As mayor, my city installed livestream cameras in all our public meeting rooms so any member of the public can always see not just how we vote – which the meeting minutes show – but how we acted on your behalf. I cleaned up the third largest municipality in St. Louis County by eliminating inefficiencies and following the rules. I’ll do the same thing in Jefferson City. Let’s get it done!
State legislation recently was passed that raises the minimum teacher salary to $40,000, with no state funding mechanism attached. Do you think the state provides enough funding for education and why?
Harder: While raising teacher salaries is a positive step, the lack of a state funding mechanism is concerning. The state needs to provide adequate funding for education to ensure schools can afford these salaries without compromising other resources. Funding alone is not enough. We must ensure there are robust curriculums being taught that focus on real learning, not DEI, CRT, and other divisive ideologies. Curriculum needs to be transparent to parents and taxpayers.
Bowlin: Schools should focus on schooling - educating our children to the highest measurable standards to successfully compete for higher education and top-flight jobs - and not political issues or agendas. This is accomplished through transparency that involves parents, funding based on performance, less bureaucracy, and supporting competition through such things as open enrollment. It also includes increasing public teacher salaries to a more competitive level with a funding mechanism. Missouri is nearly last in the United States for teacher pay and we must be in a position to attract and retain the best teachers.
State legislators have proposed bills aimed at making it harder to amend the state constitution through an initiative petition. Do you support these efforts and why?
Harder: I support efforts to ensure that constitutional amendments reflect the will of the majority and maintain the integrity of our state constitution. However, any changes should balance accessibility and protection against frivolous or special interest-driven amendments. A rigorous, yet fair process is crucial to uphold democratic principles while safeguarding our state constitution.
Bowlin: Yes. Amending Missouri’s Constitution should be similar to the United States Constitution that requires both Congressional and state action. A constitution is the most fundamental document of government, and it is essential that it be changed only if there is significant need for it.
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Harder: Voters should elect me for my proven track record of delivering results, such as passing the Senior Property Tax Freeze and fighting back against unnecessary Covid mandates and supporting veterans and economic development. My goals include enhancing public safety, improving educational opportunities, and fostering economic growth through fiscal responsibility. I am committed to serving with integrity and dedication to ensure a prosperous future for District 15.
Bowlin: I am the “get it done” candidate and not a career politician. I am the only candidate who has formed and run a business in the district that has grown each year to become one of the largest in its industry, and who has run the third-largest city in St. Louis County as a two-term mayor. I resisted two tax increases, supported our police, and accomplished key projects - all within balanced budgets. I am also the only candidate calling for caps on real estate assessments for everyone, and who has comprehensive plans for immigration and crime.
