Jessica Catron, Warrenton, and Jeff Porter, Montgomery City, are seeking the Republican nomination to replace State Rep. Bart Korman in the Missouri House of Representatives. Korman cannot run again due to term limits. 

Korman’s 42nd District seat represents Montgomery County and parts of Warren and St. Charles counties. It is a two-year term.

Whoever succeeds will move on to the November ballot against Joseph Widner of Montgomery City. Widner, a Democrat, is running unopposed.

Jessica Catron

Catron, of Warrenton, is director of community outreach and public relations for American Diesel Performance and owner of Catron Consulting LLC.

Catron spent seven years working in the Missouri House, serving 70,000 constituents across the state. She served as dual legislative assistant to Rep. Jay Houghton and Rep. Donna Pfautsch. In that position she was the committee clerk for the House Committee on Agriculture Policy, chaired by Rep. Houghton and committee clerk for the House Committee on Consent and House Procedure, chaired by Rep. Pfautsch.

“I’d like to go to Jefferson City and ask the tough questions, and demand those answers for the community that raised me. I want to help this area grow and thrive. This is my home, and the loyalty and love I feel for it will guide every decision I make in the Capitol,” Catron said. 

Catron is an active member of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Historical Society, VFW Auxiliary Post 2180, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Warren County Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers’ Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Pork Producers’ Association, the Missouri State Fair Foundation and a volunteer with the Warrenton High School Alumni Association, the Downtown Association, and the Warren County Fine Arts Council. 

Catron said she will advocate for issues that matter to Warren County residents.  

“I have a track record of fighting for rural Missouri’s values and agriculture, our state’s No. 1 industry,” Catron said. “I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by the NRA for my history of fighting for our Second Amendment rights and sportsmen’s issues. I’ve also been endorsed by Missouri Right to Life. These fights, along with proper funding and policies for rural education and our rural values are what I will continue if elected.”

Jeff Porter  

Porter is an insurance and real estate agent. He served as mayor of Montgomery City for over 15 years.

“I am excited about the opportunity to represent a district of which I have been a part for the past 27 years. My experience as a local business owner, past mayor and family man will serve me well,” Porter said. “I have provided both civic and business services in my community and look forward to continuing my service at the state level.”

Porter has been a member of many civic organizations and has participated in many community events. He is a past president for Montgomery City Kiwanis. He served as treasurer and attained the level of Fourth Degree Sir Knight as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2044. He is a past secretary for Montgomery City Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and serves on the executive board for the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission. 

Porter is a member of the Honor Guard and National Riflemen’s Association. He is a radio broadcaster for Montgomery County football games and has participated in No Hunger Holiday and the Montgomery County Imagination Library 5K.

“I plan to be a defender of faith-based family values,” Porter said. “I am committed to supporting Missouri agriculture and promoting rural communities. I plan to improve Missouri infrastructure by focusing on economic growth and enhancing opportunities for existing businesses. I also will focus on expanding educational opportunities for Missouri students.” 

Porter has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and agronomy from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Porter and his wife, Julie, a Montgomery City Elementary Title I teacher, have been married 33 years.

Jessica Catron of Warrenton, left, and Jeff Porter of Montgomery City, right, are seeking the Republican nomination to represent District 42 in the Missouri House of Representatives.