Republican House District 44 incumbent John Martin speaks to supporters as they prepare to close down the watch party on Tuesday at the Boone County Republicans’ headquarters.
Incumbent Republican state Rep. John Martin clinched the 44th House District race by a 700-vote margin, unofficial results showed late Tuesday.
This will be Martin’s second term in office serving the rural district, which includes the towns of Hallsville, Centralia, Sturgeon, Ashland, Hartsburg and parts of Columbia.
“I’m very proud of my team. They worked really hard throughout the district. It’s been a challenge because you’re currently a rep and then also campaigning, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” Martin said.
Martin was challenged by Democratic candidate Bekki Brewer, who ran against Martin on a platform that he was out of touch with his constituents.
While waiting for the final vote tally, Democratic candidate for Missouri House District 44 Bekki Brewer thanks her team and supporters during a watch party on Tuesday at Bur Oak Brewing Co.
Martin previously served as a pastor and is currently the small business owner of Pro Pumping and Hydrojetting. His platform revolves around being against abortion rights, supporting the 2025 redistricted congressional map, budgeting, and the checks and balances of state government.
He previously ran in District 47 against Adrian Plank but lost in 2022. After purchasing property in the 44th District, he ran again in 2024 and first took office in 2024 after beating Democrat Dave Raithel.
He served on the budget, economic and development, and elementary and secondary education committees in the House, and is on the subcommittee on appropriations for education.
Democratic candidate for Missouri House District 44 Bekki Brewer hugs her father, Mike Carter, goodbye as the bar closes while waiting for a final vote count during her 2026 midterm watch party at Bur Oak Brewing Company.
Martin said he plans to continue pushing conservative ideals in his second term. He values education and economic prosperity in his community. He also wants to continue to serve on budgeting committees in the House, ranging from taxation and education funding.
“As a Republican, I want to support our police and law enforcement — I think the top three priorities of government is law enforcement is number one,” he said. “We gotta have strong law enforcement, we gotta have safe neighborhoods, safe towns for our schools and our businesses to thrive. Strong infrastructure is another key component of government. And then third, good education.”
Martin has frequently referenced protecting his constituents’ “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in various interviews and speeches during his campaign.
Mike Leipard gestures toward his “I Voted!” sticker on Tuesday at the Boone County Republicans' headquarters in Columbia.
Martin was not hurt by his support of two failed constitutional amendments on income tax elimination and limiting voter power.
He said a future goal is advancing agricultural education in elementary public schools. He believes that this can inspire students to pursue a career in agriculture.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re funding their priorities correctly and going that route,” Martin said before he was reelected.