Mike Hamra: I would be governor of Missouri because of the economy and personal freedom

I am running for governor because I love Missouri and believe we have incredible potential for a bright future, but extreme politicians in Jefferson City are taking us back in time and not addressing the challenges we face.

Instead of focusing on creating jobs, higher wages, better schools, and better access to health care, Jeff City focuses on prosecuting women and doctors who make family planning decisions, thereby fueling the culture war.

But here’s the good news: With the right leadership and fresh ideas, Missouri can once again become a place of possibility and opportunity.

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But first, we must restore personal reproductive rights here in Missouri. Whether it’s abortion rights, access to contraception, or even in vitro fertilization, politicians should never dictate how we build our families. And this isn’t just about protecting a fundamental right — it’s about our future. Missouri’s extreme abortion ban has driven people away, stunted our economy, and made it harder to provide a quality public school education for the next generation of leaders here in our state.

I am not a career politician. I run a fast-growing family business that is successful because we truly care about our employees and their families. I know how to articulate a vision, create jobs, work with people I don’t always agree with to solve problems and get things done.

First, we want to create a business climate that works for everyone. We do that by strengthening the local economy in every corner of the state, helping people start and grow their own businesses, and attracting the well-paying jobs and workforce we need.

Missouri is bursting with potential—we have a wealth of entrepreneurs, innovators, and dedicated workers. For too long, self-interested politicians have prioritized extreme social agendas, holding back progress and driving away businesses, students, and families. I grew my family’s restaurant business from 26 to over 200 locations, serving thousands of Missourians and people across the country. I did it by encouraging entrepreneurship, investing in workforce training, and removing unnecessary barriers to employment.

Second, we would invest in the people of Missouri. Just as a company that neglects its workforce will falter, a state that ignores the needs of its people will stagnate and fall behind. Unfortunately, because of the usual partisan games, Missouri’s economy has lagged behind the national average, education has lagged, health outcomes have deteriorated, and the cost of living remains unaffordable for many families.

My family’s business is successful because we have invested in our employees and their families. We provide comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement, housing assistance, support for our students, and an emergency relief fund to help people in unexpected times of need. These investments have been key to our success. And as governor, I would apply the same principles to our state. We must ensure that every child receives a quality education, address the affordability crisis, and improve the health and safety of our communities. It is time to view investments in the people of Missouri not as optional expenses, but as essential priorities.

Finally, we need to make our state government more efficient with a focus on a customer service mentality, because success depends on providing exceptional service. Unfortunately, today, it often acts as if it is the only option available. As Missouri lags behind our neighbors in economic growth, business creation, household income, K-12 education, and more, the damaging effects of this attitude are clear. When our government focuses on scoring political points and fails to support the success of Missourians, the entire state suffers.

As governor, I would always prioritize the needs of Missourians. We would innovate how state agencies deliver services, incentivize exceptional customer service, and foster public-private partnerships. We would modernize outdated systems, implement clear performance metrics, and ensure transparency. And we would address the corruption that is all too prevalent in Jeff City.

I have seen firsthand the strength and potential of our people. Missourians are resilient, ready to rise again when we are knocked down. We are kind, always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend in need. We are diverse, richer because of our differences, not in spite of them. And we are ready, eager to unlock our collective potential.

Possibility over pessimism. Cooperation over stalemate. That is the Missouri I know, and that is the Missouri I would be proud to serve as your next governor.

Mike Hamra is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Missouri. He lives in Springfield.