On the Poplar Bluff R-1 school board since 2015. A lifetime of honest work — and Southeast Missouri roots that go back generations. Now Ken is running for State Representative to serve the people of Butler County.
Meet Ken
My family’s roots run deep in Southeast Missouri farming country. My paternal grandfather managed area farms around Essex. My grandparents farmed near Powe and Essex. I went to school in Cape Girardeau, then Poplar Bluff, then Memphis — where I graduated from Westside High School in 1974 — and came back to Southeast Missouri, where I’ve spent most of my life.
I know what it means to struggle. I’m the product of a single-parent upbringing, moving often, sometimes living in the projects of Memphis. I had three jobs close down on me over the years. At 24, I became a divorced father raising my two little girls — ages two and three — on my own for six years. I understand long hours, multiple jobs, and what it takes to keep food on the table.
I worked alongside my father in the petroleum maintenance business until it closed. I enlisted in the United States Army in 1981 and was honorably discharged later that year. Then Essex Franke until it shut its doors. A school bus driver for PBR1, and Walmart — a part-time associate for four months. Rowe Furniture for five years. Dow Automotive for 14 years, until it also closed. And nineteen years at XPO Logistics before I retired in 2021. I married Patti Smith Leamon — born and raised in Butler County — that same year. That’s the work, and the life, I’m running on.
The Issues
These aren’t talking points. They’re convictions I’ve held my whole adult life — and serving on the school board since 2015 has only sharpened them.
The future of our country depends on the quality education of all of our children. The state’s share of funding for Poplar Bluff R-1 has dropped about 10% since I joined the board — and local taxpayers have been left to carry the difference. I’ll keep fighting for strong public schools and fair funding.
Second Amendment rights should be protected for the safety of all. It’s a constitutional right — not negotiable — and I’ll defend it in Jefferson City.
I value the lives of all children. The lives of unborn babies should be protected — not considered a method of birth control. Every child’s life has worth from the beginning.
After decades around the game — coaching youth ball, working the football chain gang (I’ve missed only two games in all those years), and serving as a licensed MSHSAA official for basketball and volleyball — I believe laws need to be in place to restrict girls’ sports to biological females from birth.
Any change to how we’re taxed deserves a careful look. Swapping the income tax for a higher sales tax leaves families little say over the rate — it could climb without a public vote and reach services we’ve never been taxed on before. At least with income tax, you can plan year to year.
I believe in the United States of America. Citizenship is an earned privilege, and there is a legal way to obtain that right — one many deserve. We must also defend our country and our states from illegal immigration.
The Record
I’ve served on the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education since 2015 — as President and as Vice President — and that experience has taught me what good governance looks like, and what it doesn’t. I’ve sat in the room when the numbers didn’t add up and a hard call had to be made. The state’s share of funding for our district has dropped about 10% since I joined the board, while the burden on local taxpayers has only grown. Local taxes alone cannot carry our public schools — and I’ll keep fighting for strong public schools and fair funding.
A public servant should be interested in serving the public — not feathering their own nest. Legislators should be held accountable for the decisions they make — decisions that affect our schools, our families, and our future. This isn’t a stepping stone for me. It’s the only office I want.Ken Davis Candidate, Missouri 152nd District
Home
My family has been part of Southeast Missouri for generations. My paternal grandfather managed area farms around Essex. My grandparents farmed near Powe and Essex. My wife, Patti, was born and raised in Butler County, and her father and his people spent their lives row-crop farming and raising Hereford cattle. Our home sits on land her family homesteaded in 1855.
The 152nd is Butler County — working families, farmers, small business owners, factory workers, teachers, retirees, and the people who keep our schools, our hospitals, and our roads running. That’s who I’ll answer to in Jefferson City. Not party leadership. Not special interests. Butler County.
Upcoming Events
The best way to know a candidate is to shake his hand. Stop by, bring a neighbor, and ask Ken anything — there’s always good food and a warm welcome.
A meet-and-greet with Ken and Patti to launch the campaign. Pork loin sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, and something sweet. Everyone’s welcome.
Come talk with Ken about the 152nd over good food and good company. Bring the family.
More barbecues and meet-and-greets across Butler County are being added through the summer. Follow along on Facebook for the latest dates.
Don’t Miss a Thing
We post every barbecue, meet-and-greet, and campaign update on Facebook first. Follow along so you always know where to find Ken next.
Support the Campaign
Every dollar goes straight into yard signs, mailers, barbecues, and getting Ken’s name and record in front of voters across Butler County. Donations are processed securely through ActBlue. You can choose to cover the processing fee so 100% of your gift reaches the campaign — or we’ll be happy to cover it for you.
Join the Campaign
We need volunteers to staff polling places on election day, distribute yard signs, help at events, and talk to friends and family about Ken. If you can give an hour, we’ll find a way to use it.