Politics

Famous Politicians from Missouri

Missouri has been on the forefront of political history since it’s founding in 1821. Check out these famous Missouri Politicians who helped make this country what it is today.

Famous Missouri Politicians

Missouri has been home to several famous politicians throughout history. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Harry S. Truman (1884-1972): Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He was born in Lamar, Missouri, and is remembered for making key decisions during the end of World War II, including the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Thomas Hart Benton (1782-1858): Benton was a U.S. Senator from Missouri who served from 1821 to 1851. He played a significant role in the expansion of the United States westward, advocating for the interests of settlers and supporting the idea of manifest destiny.
• Claire McCaskill (1953- ): McCaskill is a Democrat who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 2007 to 2019. She was the first woman from Missouri to be elected to the U.S. Senate. McCaskill is known for her work on issues such as healthcare and government transparency.
• Kit Bond (1939- ): Bond is a Republican who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1987 to 2011. He was known for his focus on economic development and agricultural issues during his time in office.
• Mel Carnahan (1934-2000): Carnahan was a Democrat who served as the Governor of Missouri from 1993 until his death in a plane crash in 2000. Despite his untimely passing, he was posthumously elected to the U.S. Senate, making him one of the few individuals to win a Senate seat after their death.
• Jean Carnahan (1933- ): Jean Carnahan, wife of Mel Carnahan, briefly served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 2001 to 2002 after her husband’s death. She was appointed to fill his vacant seat but did not seek re-election.