Incumbent state Rep. John Martin has been campaigning on his conservative platform throughout the 44th District, which includes much of south and eastern Boone County.
As the only Boone County representative facing a challenger — Democrat Bekki Brewer — Martin has focused on signage and door-to-door outreach, encouraging his supporters to get out into the community and engage with potential voters who could be on the fence.
Martin, a Republican first elected two years ago, said he had his own campaign plans to connect with his community, rather than meeting opponent Brewer in a public forum such as debates.
“I’m very busy with my current campaign plans, meeting constituents, so I’m gonna stick with that,” Martin said.
He has attended Republican-forward events that either celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary or supported one of his campaign ideals with other Republican Missouri politicians.
Martin said he is focusing on what comes next, especially during this election period. His platform remains unchanged, focusing on conservative social and economic issues.
“One of my primary goals is improving the lives of the people in my district, economically and educationally, by protecting their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Martin said.
During the primary in August, many District 44 constituents voted against amendments Martin was a supporter of, such as Amendment 4 and Amendment 5, which tackled voter power and taxation. Martin was a vocal supporter of both amendments but said he respects the will of the voters even if they disagree with him.
“I thought that it (Amendment 5, eliminating the state income tax) was something that would be productive for our state economically. I really thought that,” Martin said. “I respect that, and so you go back to work.”
Martin is “a pro-life conservative” who backs Amendment 3, which would “repeal the 2024 voter-approved amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights including abortion through fetal viability,” Martin said at the Boone County Republican Women’s Club in September.
He backed up this belief by saying that it aligns with both his Christian and biological perspective that “life begins at conception.”
“There are forces out there that want to destroy life, not only destroy life in the womb — they want to destroy all life,” Martin said. He referenced the shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk in 2025 and the assassination attempts on President Donald Trump.
Martin said he is against Amendment 6, claiming it is “very dangerous.”
The measure would provide more protection to laws that are approved by voters through citizen-led ballot initiatives and voter referendums. As a legislator whose powers could be restricted if voters approve Amendment 6, Martin said he thinks it would disturb the balance of governmental powers in Missouri.
If reelected, Martin wants to continue to focus on education and agricultural education in schools. He helped get a bill passed during his time as representative and wants to see more progress in that area.
Martin is part of the General Assembly that voted to approve the HB 1 2025 congressional map into action and is a proponent of voters approving Proposition A, which would allow the map to be used in future congressional elections. The Missouri Supreme Court, backed by the U.S. Supreme Court, ruled in September that the map could only be used if voters approved it first.
“I don’t see it as gerrymandering,” Martin said, opposing the view of many Democrats. The change to the congressional map was specifically requested by Trump in an attempt to ensure another congressional seat in Missouri that favors Republicans.
When asked, Martin said he was not worried about the election but hoped constituents would reelect him so he can continue to focus on budgetary topics.
Martin used to be a pastor and is currently a small business owner in addition to his role as a state representative. He serves on the budget, economic and development, and elementary and secondary education committees in the House. He is on the subcommittee on appropriations for education.
Martin first ran against Adrian Plank in the 47th District and lost in 2022. After buying property in the 44th District, Martin then ran and won his current seat in 2024 against Democrat Dave Raithel.