John J. Lee, 54, who lives just outside Festus, announced on Sept. 9 that he plans to run in a special election to fill the Missouri House of Representatives District 114 seat that was held by Ken Waller who died on Aug. 24 at age 63. Lee will run as a Republican.
Gov. Mike Kehoe has not yet scheduled the special election.
For the past 25 years, Lee has been a Shelter Insurance agent in Festus. Prior to that, he worked for 10 years in the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office in roles ranging from mapping to appraising and then for two years as a tax analyst for the May Department stores. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.
Lee said he is a lifelong Jefferson County resident and is dedicated to common-sense reform. He said his work experience has allowed him to gain insight into the financial burdens faced by families and businesses.
Lee said on day one, he will work to “reign in unrealistic tax burdens and investigate recent years’ changes in the insurance industry.”
He said he believes Missouri’s future depends on leaders who listen to the people and deliver measurable results, adding that he has the experience, integrity and unwavering commitment to do what is right.
He previously served as a Grandview Board of Education member, Hillsboro City Council member and a Big River committeeman. He is a member of the Festus-Crystal City Elks and the Morse Mill Church of God.
Together Lee and his wife, Melissa, have four adult children.
Waller, a Republican who lived in Herculaneum, was serving his second term as state representative for District 114 when he died.
While the seat is vacant, the governor’s office has said the office will remain staffed for constituents who need assistance.
In addition to Waller’s seat, Missouri has three other vacant seats, including District 95 in south St. Louis County, District 160 in the Neosho area and District 149 in New Madrid County.
State Rep. Phil Amato, R-Arnold, said Ben Baker, who represented District 95, left this year following an appointment by the Trump administration to become USDA state director for rural development.
Amato said Michael O’Donnell of District 160 took a state appointment as commissioner of securities.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Donnie Brown, who represented District 149, took a job as a district engineer for MoDOT.
All four seats were held by Republicans.