FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia, Missouri – Today, U.S. Navy veteran, Columbia businessman, and fifth-generation Missourian Taylor Burks announced his candidacy for Congress in Missouri’s new 5th Congressional District.
A commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves who recently returned from his fourth overseas deployment, Burks says he is running to bring conservative, America-first leadership to Washington, DC, and to ensure Missouri has a strong voice fighting for its values.
“Missouri deserves a representative who understands our communities, our economy, and our way of life,” said Burks. “In Congress, I will stand strong for Mid-Missouri, defend our values, protect our freedoms, and fight for economic policies that grow our way of life here in Missouri.”
Burks has served a combined 19 years in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves, including four deployments, rising to the rank of commander. During his military career, he has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, four Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals. He has also been recognized by the Navy for Outstanding Volunteer Service, for his past leadership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA, and currently on the Board of Governors at Truman State University.
“I believe in the promise of America and that our best days are ahead,” Burks said. “Today, we are fighting for America’s soul against career politicians like Emanuel Cleaver who have lost touch with the people they serve. I grew up on a farm, I served in the Navy, and today I lead in the private sector. I know what it means to work hard, meet a payroll, and make tough decisions. That’s the kind of leadership we need in Congress.”
Growing up on his grandparents’ cattle farm in the Ozarks, Burks learned early lessons about responsibility, faith, and service.
“When you’re raising cattle, there are no easy days, no shortcuts, and no vacations,” Burks said. “If you want to eat, you have to work for it every day. We can tackle the national debt, solve the immigration crisis, and keep America strong — but we need leaders who know how to work to get it done.”
Burks enters the race with an impressive list of endorsements from respected federal, state, and local leaders across the district, including:
Former U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer; Missouri State Representatives Bill Irwin, Sherri Gallick, John Martin, Rodger Reedy, Tim Taylor, Don Mayhew, and Willard Haley; former State Representatives Dan Houx and Chuck Basye; Bill Cook, former Cass County Commissioner; Diane Thompson, Johnson County Clerk; Linda Niendick, Lafayette County Public Administrator; Cindi Sims, Saline County Collector; Jessica Goodman, Saline County Assessor; Brittni Burton, Saline County Clerk; Stephanie Gooden, Saline County Associate Commissioner; Kim Lyne, Pettis County Treasurer; David Dick, former Pettis County Presiding Commissioner; Israel Baeza, Pettis County Associate Commissioner; Andrew Dawson, Mayor of Sedalia; Sid Conklin, Randolph County Presiding Commissioner; Austin Kyser, Randolph County Associate Commissioner; Michelle Lee, Randolph County Collector; Will Ellis, former Randolph County Clerk; Kevin Stone, Randolph County Assessor; John Tracey, former Randolph County Associate Commissioner; Diana Thomas, Cooper County Collector; Fred Parry, former Boone County Commissioner; Dustin Stanton, former Boone County Treasurer; William Lynch, Newton County Prosecutor; and Locke Thompson, Cole County Prosecutor.
These endorsements reflect strong grassroots and local elected officials’ support throughout the district and across the state.
“This won’t be easy, but it’s worth doing,” Burks said. “Missouri deserves real representation and a leader who will show up and fight for them. My family and I are all in. We are prepared to do what it takes to bring accountable, America-first leadership to Missouri’s 5th District.”
Taylor and his wife, Elyse, live in Boone County with their three sons. To learn more about Taylor Burks and his campaign, visit BurksForCongress.com.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Christian Hulen
christian@victoryenterprises.com
Taylor Burks grew up in the Ozarks and is a fifth-generation Missourian running for the 5th Congressional District. Taylor has served 19 years in the U.S. Navy, both active duty and reserves. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, four Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals for his service. Taylor was appointed by Missouri’s governor to serve as the first Republican Clerk of Boone County in 2017. He and his wife, Elyse, live in Boone County with their three boys. Use of Taylor’s Navy rank and images do not imply endorsement by the Department of War.
