Senator Michael L. Parson, a Republican, was elected in 2010 to serve the 28th District in the Missouri Senate. The 28th District includes Benton, Cedar, Dallas, Polk, Hickory, Laclede, Pettis and St. Clair counties. Before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, Sen. Parson served as the Polk County Sheriff. He also served six years in the U.S. Army.

Senator Parson was raised on a farm in Hickory County, and graduated from Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Missouri. He is a small business owner and is a third generation farmer who currently owns and operates a cow and calf operation near Bolivar.

Senator Parson chairs the Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee and during his first two years in the Senate served as Majority Whip. While serving in the House of Representatives, he was chair of the House Rules Committee, which is responsible for hearing legislation that passes out of all public hearings before it can be debated on the House floor.

Senator Parson currently serves on the following legislative committees and organizations:

In addition to his legislative duties Senator Parson is a member of the following organizations:

  • American Legion
  • Bolivar Chamber of Commerce
  • Lebanon Chamber of Commerce
  • Missouri Farm Bureau
  • Missouri Cattlemen's Association
  • Missouri Sheriffs Association
  • Missouri State Employee's Retirement Board - past member
  • National Rifle Association - lifetime member
  • Optimist Club
  • Sedalia Chamber of Commerce
  • Honorary Lebanon Rotary Member
  • Protect the Harvest
  • MO Farmers Care

Senator Parson is a past board member of the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, and a Commissioner of the Missouri Emergency Response Commission. He also started the D.A.R.E. Scholarship Program for each school in Polk County. Recently, awarded an A grade for his legislative accomplishments by Missouri Scout.

He recently received awards from the following associations:

  • Friend of Corn Growers Award
  • Missouri Community College Association Award
  • Advocate for Agribusiness Award
  • SAOVA – The Sportsmen’s & Animal Owners' Voting Alliance
  • St. Louis Business Journal for promoting small business in the state.
  • Missouri Health Care Association for working with seniors and assisted living facilities.
  • Missouri Children's Coalition for protecting the rights of children in Missouri.
  • Statesman of the Year Award from RCGA - 2012
  • Missouri Pork Association Outstanding Legislator Award
  • Missouri Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award
  • Mid-Missouri Responsible Breeders Award
  • Missouri Association of Counties for Budget Procedure.

Sen. Parson currently lives in Bolivar with his wife, Teresa who is employed at Mid Missouri bank. Mike & Teresa are members of First Baptist Church in Bolivar. They have two children: daughter, Stephanie and son Kelly. Sen. Parson also has 5 grandchildren, David, Alicia, Michaela, Benjamin, and Isabella House.