Incumbent Rusty Black looks to serve Missouri Senate District 12 one last time

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Rusty Black is the Republican incumbent and candidate for the Missouri Senate District 12 race.

Black is looking to serve one last time as a Missouri Senator. He was previously elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2016 and then went on to win the Missouri State Senate District 12 race in 2022.

Before his time in politics, Black was an Agriculture Educator for 33 years.

He said he has enjoyed serving the people of Missouri and wants to continue representing those in his district.

"I've had an interest in government and possibly even being a politician," said Black. "When I was making that decision to run again, I still think that I'm doing a good job for my constituents in our area and trying to do a good job of representing Northwest Missouri."

One of Black's biggest priorities while in the Missouri House of Representatives and as a Missouri Senator has been the state budget. He still sees that as one of his primary focuses.

"The number one is around the budget; the appropriations process in our state," Black said. "My voice has been heard on those things. I've been in rooms trying to help make decisions of where to invest money and where maybe not to invest money. That will continue to be a priority of mine."

Despite being in politics for the last decade, Blacks sees himself as one of the people.

"I'm a Northwest Missourian," Black said. "I've lived in this area except for three years of my life. My wife and I, Karie, are both natives from this area. We have four children and 10 grandchildren. We try to represent the values of this part of the state."

Black is running against Democratic candidate Judy McNeece to represent District 12. The upcoming General Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.