Twin Bridges, Missouri – On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Republican State Representative Travis Smith announced his candidacy for the State Senate to replace outgoing State Senator Karla Eslinger.
In expressing his motivation for seeking higher office, Smith reflected on his family’s history: “My grandfather was a postman, my grandmother was a Christian homemaker that put family above self, my mother was a teacher at the local high school teacher and college and my father a dentist who never turned anyone away because they couldn’t pay. I am a small businessman, high school sports coach, and first-generation farmer. I chose to stay here and invest in Southern Missouri because I believe in our way of life and our people,” Smith said.
Smith was elected to his position in 2020 and serves the counties of Stone, Ozark Taney, and Douglas. He is Vice-Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and sits on the Special Committee on Property Tax Reform, Economic Development, the Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development, the Special Committee on Tourism, and the Legislative Review Committee.
Smith sponsors bills to remove corporate income tax (HB 2274), to help volunteer fire departments collect dues (HB 2078), authorize tax credits for railroad expenses (HB 1824), to make it harder to prosecute people accused of hazing (HB 1443), and modifications to the Missouri Working Family Tax Credit Act (HB 1913), among many others that can be found on the Missouri House of Representatives website. Link Here.
In a press release, Smith is described as such:
“With over 20 years of experience successfully owning and operating a small business, Smith said he understands the importance of local commerce. His collaborative efforts with business owners have led to the growth of local commerce, bringing jobs and revenue streams to the rural Ozarks. “There has never been a more pressing time in our country or in our state to have strong, conservative leadership in government. Each election holds the power to move us forwards or backwards. My plan is to keep us on the path to success.”
Travis Smith currently represents Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney Counties (District 155) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Elected to his first two-year term in November 2020, Smith brings a diverse background as an economic developer, high school track coach, and community leader. Smith was named Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA in English from the University of Missouri and an MBA from William Woods University. Smith had also served as a board member on numerous organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Howell County Development Committee, Library Board, and Ozarks Healthcare.
Born in West Plains, Travis Smith now resides in Twin Bridges with his wife, Karen, and they are proud parents of four children and one grandson Dwayne.
