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NEOSHO, MO – The race for Missouri’s 160th House District officially began Thursday night with an overflow crowd of nearly 150 people who packed into the Neosho Newton County Public Library to support Jonathan Russell’s campaign kickoff. The energy was unmistakable as Newton County Prosecutor Will Lynch and former State Representative Marilyn Ruestman introduced Russell to an audience that included business owners, county and city elected officials, teachers, retirees, and seven members of the Newton County Republican Central Committee.
“This kind of crowd in late summer is unheard of,” said one local GOP leader. “It tells you people are ready for Jonathan’s kind of leadership.” A Strong Beginning: Grassroots and Financial SupportRussell not only filled the room with supporters—he also enters the race with impressive early backing: · $9,500 raised from 42 respected community leaders in Newton and Jasper Counties. · Broad grassroots support from his years of service on the Republican Central Committee, Neosho School Board, and Library Board. · Early endorsements from neighbors and friends who see him as a leader rooted in community and conservative values. “Jonathan has always been here for Neosho—whether it’s on the school board, helping at the library, or volunteering with the Lions Club. We know he’ll be here for us in Jefferson City,” said Mary House, a local resident who attended the kickoff. Introduction by a Conservative Mentor Former Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, who gave Russell his first experience in the State Capitol as a legislative assistant, highlighted Jonathan’s preparation for the special election. “I’ve seen firsthand Jonathan’s work ethic and conservative convictions,” Ruestman told the crowd. “When you send him to Jefferson City, you’ll be sending someone who already knows the issues, knows the process, and knows how to deliver results for Southwest Missouri.” Jonathan Russell: Proven Conservative Leadership Jonathan Russell’s campaign is built on his record of service and results: · 12-Year Member & Past President, Neosho School Board – fought DESE and Washington overreach, defended parental rights, and championed transparency. · 2024 President, Missouri School Boards’ Association – led the effort to pull Missouri out of the liberal National School Boards Association when it tried to label parents as “domestic terrorists.” · Legislative Assistant in Jefferson City – gained direct experience in committees and on the House floor. · Small Businessman & REALTOR® – helps operate his family’s construction business and works in real estate. · Community Leader – founding chair of Bright Futures Neosho, served on the Library Board, and is active in the Lions Club. · Newton County GOP Central Committee Member for over a decade – built conservative majorities across Southwest Missouri. His Platform: Fighting for Conservative Values Russell told the crowd his campaign is about bringing common-sense conservative leadership to Jefferson City. His top issues include: 1. Defending Conservative Values o 100% pro-life – will fight to uphold Missouri’s abortion ban. o Strong supporter of the Second Amendment. o Will defend religious liberty and free speech. 2. Protecting Education & Expanding School Choice o Will fight to protect and improve our public schools o Supports homeschooling, charter schools, and education savings accounts. o Believes parents—not DESE or D.C. bureaucrats—should control education. 3. Backing the Blue & Public Safety o Pledged to increase respect and resources for law enforcement. o Opposes soft-on-crime policies that put families at risk. 4. Protecting Election Integrity o Backs voter ID laws and transparent, fraud-proof elections. o Will work to strengthen initiative petition laws. 5. Cutting Taxes & Growing Missouri’s Economy o Pro-growth, low-tax policies to attract businesses. o Reduce red tape and eliminate wasteful spending. 6. Stopping Out-of-State Liberal Takeovers o Opposes billionaires from New York or California rewriting Missouri’s constitution through ballot initiatives. Supporters Speak OutThe crowd was filled with neighbors eager to share why they believe Jonathan is the right choice: · Ken Copeland, former sheriff: “Jonathan’s past experience and knowledge of Jefferson City and how it works would be a great benefit and he could hit the ground running. He has a heart for people and truly wants to help them. He is a servant and is involved in the community. He would be the only choice.” · Rose Buehner, retired local resident: “Jonathan has worked hard for the people of Newton County for over twenty years. From his time with Representative Ruestman to serving on the Neosho School Board, he’s served our community. Jonathan has a heart for people and will listen to us.” · Kalan Hubbard, local REALTOR: “I've known Jonathan for over twenty years. He has the heart of a servant, the work ethic of a farmer, and an unmatched desire to serve the people of his district to the best of his abilities. He will do extremely well in Jefferson City.” A Closing Pledge to Southwest MissouriRussell concluded his remarks with a heartfelt promise that drew strong applause: “I love this community, and I will go to Jefferson City to fight as hard as I can to stand up for the traditional family values of Southwest Missouri. You can always count on me to stand up for the people of Newton and Jasper Counties, because this is my home, and I will never forget where I came from.” Rooted in Southwest MissouriBorn and raised in Neosho, Russell graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Political Science. He worked in Jefferson City, then returned home to help run his family business, and serve his neighbors. His candidacy reflects decades of investment in the place he calls home. “This isn’t about getting an office—it’s about service,” Russell told the press after the event. “I’ve been blessed to live here my entire life, and I’m ready to fight for our values in the State Capitol.” Looking Ahead With strong financial support, an enthusiastic volunteer base, and a campaign message resonating with voters, Russell heads into the upcoming special election as the clear conservative choice for Missouri’s 160th House District. For more information, to volunteer, or to contribute, visit www.RussellForMissouri.com or contact the campaign at [email protected]. -30- Jonathan is a lifelong conservative and proven Republican leader with a deep record of public service and grassroots activism. He’s served as a legislative assistant in Jefferson City, Neosho School Board member, and was the 2024 President of the Missouri School Boards’ Association. A local businessman, REALTOR®, and community leader, Jonathan brings bold, commonsense leadership to Jefferson City. Contact: Jonathan Russell Phone: 417-455-4633 Email: [email protected] Website: www.RussellForMissouri.com Jonathan Russell Launches Campaign for Missouri House – A Proven Conservative for Newton County10/3/2025
NEOSHO, MO – Jonathan Russell, a lifelong conservative, small businessman, school board leader, and former legislative assistant, has officially announced his candidacy for State Representative in Missouri’s 160th District. Russell is seeking to succeed former Rep. Ben Baker, who was recently appointed by President Trump to lead Missouri’s USDA office. Russell enters the race with widespread grassroots support, a deep record of community service, and a platform centered on conservative values: protecting life, defending the Second Amendment, restoring educational excellence, and limiting government growth.
“I love Newton County. I was born and raised here. I’ve fought for our conservative values on the school board, in the Capitol, and through my work helping elect leaders like Ben Baker, Dirk Deaton, and Cody Smith. Now, I’m stepping up to serve in the State House,” said Russell. “We need bold, experienced voices to stand up to the woke left and protect the Missouri we know and love.” Standing on Conservative Principles Jonathan Russell is unapologetically pro-life and pro-Second Amendment. He supports the full repeal of abortion in Missouri, opposes federal gun control, and believes government should be smaller, not bigger. “Jonathan doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s lived it,” said State Rep. Dirk Deaton. “He’s been on the front lines for years, and no one is more prepared to step into this role and get to work on day one.” A Track Record of Service and Results Jonathan Russell isn’t new to public service. He brings two decades of grassroots conservative activism and public leadership to the campaign, including:
Russell’s campaign platform is grounded in conservative principles and focused on restoring common sense to state government. His priorities include: 1. Defending Conservative Values
2. Reforming Education and Expanding School Choice
3. Backing the Blue and Promoting Public Safety
Rooted in Newton County Jonathan Russell was born and raised in Neosho. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Political Science, worked in the State Capitol as a legislative assistant, and returned home to help grow his family business and build a future in Southwest Missouri. He now works as a REALTOR® and operates a local construction business with his brother. Whether fighting for conservative reforms in Jefferson City, protecting students from radical agendas, or volunteering in Neosho, he’s always answered the call to serve. “This is my home. This is where I was raised and where I’ve spent my entire adult life,” said Russell. “I’ll roll my sleeves up and fight for this community — from school board to Jefferson City, I’m ready to serve and stand up for our conservative values.” Join the Campaign to Restore Common Sense in Jefferson City Russell is urging voters to stay engaged, support his campaign, and help counter liberal efforts to flip safe Republican seats with deceptive primary challenges. “We’ve seen how liberal elites from outside Missouri try to buy our elections. We must protect our constitution, our families, and our values — and that means electing fighters, not fakes,” Russell said. For more information or to get involved, visit www.russellformissouri.com or contact the campaign directly at [email protected]. -30- Jonathan is a lifelong conservative and proven Republican leader with a deep record of public service and grassroots activism. He’s served as a legislative assistant in Jefferson City, Neosho School Board member, and is the 2024 President of the Missouri School Boards’ Association. A local businessman, REALTOR®, and community leader, Jonathan brings bold, commonsense leadership to Jefferson City. Contact: Jonathan Russell Phone: 417-455-4633 Email: [email protected] Website: www.RussellForMissouri.com |
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