Vicky Hartzler

Vicky Hartzler began her tenure as a U.S. Representative for Missouri's 4th congressional district on January 3, 2011. She assumed office after defeating the incumbent, Ike Skelton, in the 2010 midterm elections. Hartzler's victory marked a significant shift in Missouri's political landscape as she became part of the Republican wave that took control of the House of Representatives in that election cycle. Her campaign focused on conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for family farmers, reflecting her rural Missouri roots and background in agriculture and education. Hartzler's entry into Congress highlighted her commitment to these principles and set the stage for her legislative efforts on behalf of Missouri and the broader conservative agenda.

On November 6, 2012, Vicky Hartzler was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Missouri's 4th congressional district. Securing her second term, Hartzler won with a substantial majority, reflecting the support she maintained in her district. During her first term, she focused on issues pertinent to her constituents, including agriculture, defense, and rural economic development. Her campaign for re-election emphasized maintaining a focus on conservative fiscal policies, reducing government spending, and protecting family values. Hartzler's re-election underscored her strong standing with Missouri voters and her effectiveness in advocating for the interests of her district in Congress.

Vicky Hartzler delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention on July 28, 2016. During her address, Hartzler highlighted key themes of the Republican platform, advocating for stronger national defense, family values, and economic policies focused on job creation and growth. Hartzler, known for her work on the House Armed Services Committee, used her speech to emphasize the importance of a robust military and support for veterans. She also touched on social issues, reiterating her opposition to federal mandates on schools regarding bathroom policies for transgender students, a stance that had previously made headlines. Hartzler's speech was part of the broader effort by convention speakers to rally support around the Republican nominee and unify the party base ahead of the presidential election. Her presence at the convention signified her role as a key voice in the party's national dialogue.

On July 13, 2017, Vicky Hartzler proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit funding for gender transition surgeries and related medical treatments for transgender individuals serving in the military. The amendment sparked significant debate in Congress and across the nation, as it touched on broader issues of transgender rights and military policy. Hartzler argued that the costs associated with such treatments were a burden on the military budget and detracted from military readiness. Opponents of the amendment criticized it as discriminatory against transgender service members. Although the amendment did not pass, it highlighted Hartzler's stance on transgender issues and underscored ongoing tensions in American politics regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the military. Hartzler's actions on this issue reaffirmed her position as a staunch conservative on social and military policies.

On March 27, 2020, Vicky Hartzler joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in voting for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This landmark legislation provided over $2 trillion in economic relief aimed at mitigating the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American individuals, businesses, and healthcare providers. Hartzler supported the bill due to its provisions for small business loans, direct payments to individuals, and funding for hospitals and healthcare workers on the front lines. The CARES Act was seen as a necessary response to the unprecedented economic challenges posed by the pandemic, and Hartzler's vote reflected her commitment to supporting her constituents during the crisis. Her support for the bill underscored the cooperation between Republicans and Democrats in addressing the national emergency, despite differences in other areas of policy.

On February 27, 2021, Vicky Hartzler voted against the Equality Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in numerous areas of American life, including employment, housing, and public accommodations. Hartzler's opposition was grounded in her belief that the legislation could infringe upon religious freedoms. She expressed concerns that the bill would force religious organizations to act against their beliefs and that it lacked sufficient protections for women's sports by allowing transgender women to compete. Her stance was consistent with her conservative values and her prior positions on related issues. The Equality Act passed the House of Representatives but faced significant opposition in the Senate. Hartzler's vote against the bill highlighted the ongoing debate in Congress and across the country regarding the balance between anti-discrimination measures and religious liberties.

On June 15, 2022, Vicky Hartzler announced her candidacy for the United States Senate, seeking the Republican nomination for the Missouri seat. Her decision to run for Senate was influenced by her long-standing commitment to conservative principles and her desire to expand her impact beyond the House of Representatives. During her announcement, Hartzler emphasized her dedication to conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and strengthening national defense. She cited her experience in Congress and her deep roots in Missouri as key assets in her Senate bid. Throughout her campaign, Hartzler aimed to distinguish herself from other candidates by focusing on her legislative record and her commitment to issues important to Missouri voters, such as agriculture, defense, and rural development. Her entry into the Senate race was seen as a significant development in the GOP primary landscape for Missouri's open Senate seat.