Ann Kelley (politician)

Ann Kelley is an American politician and educator serving as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 127th district. Elected in November 2018, she assumed office in January 2019.

Ann Kelley
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 127th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 2019
Preceded by	Mike Kelley
Personal details
Born	Joplin, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mike Kelley
Children	1
Education	Missouri Southern State University (BS) Grand Canyon University (MS)

Early life and education

Kelley was born in Joplin, Missouri and attended Liberal High School in Liberal, Missouri. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in middle school science and English from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Science in curriculum and middle school reading and writing from Grand Canyon University.^[1][2][3]

Career

Kelley began her career as an English teacher in the Lamar School District.^[4] Kelley is a member of the National Rifle Association of America, Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Missouri State Teachers Association. She was also a board member of the Barton County Ambulance District. She was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2018 and assumed office in January 2019.^[5]

She has propagated conspiracy theories relating to election denial, raising doubts about Missouri election integrity.^[6][7]

Kelley gained national exposure when sponsoring an anti-LGBTQ bill, the Parental Rights in Education act on the 23rd February 2023. Kelley was challenged on the state House floor by fellow Republican Representatives Phil Christofanelli over the wording and application, eventually forcing Kelley to acknowledge that she did not know how it would be applied in reference to talking about Martha Washington being the wife of George Washington because of sexual orientation.^[8]

Kelley proposed a dress code for women in the Missouri House of Representatives, including covering the shoulders.^[9][10]

Electoral history

State representative

Missouri House of Representatives Primary Election, August 7, 2018, District 127^[11]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Ann Kelley	4,996	64.65%
	Republican	George Randall Heim	2,732	35.35%
Total votes			7,728	100.00%

Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 6, 2018, District 127^[12]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Ann Kelley	12,276	82.89%
	Democratic	Teri Hanna	2,534	17.11%
Total votes			14,810	100.00%

Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 3, 2020, District 127^[13]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Ann Kelley	16,881	100.00%	+17.11
Total votes			16,881	100.00%

Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 8, 2022, District 127^[14]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Ann Kelley	11,553	85.09%	-14.91
	Democratic	Marvin Manring	2,024	14.91%	+14.91
Total votes			13,577	100.00%

References

1. "Ann Kelley's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
2. "Ann Kelley". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
3. "Ann Kelley kicks off campaign for Missouri State Representative". The Missouri Times. March 28, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
4. Thomas, Crystal (August 7, 2017). "Ann Kelley announces for husband's state representative seat". Joplin Globe. from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
5. "Representative Ann Kelley". www.house.mo.gov. from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
6. Rebecca Rivas (August 25, 2021). . Missouri Independent. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
7. Galen Bacharier. . Springfield News-Leader. Jefferson City, MO. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
8. "Republicans Feud on House Floor Over Anti-LGBTQ School Bill". Newsweek. March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
9. Giulia Carbonaro (January 13, 2023). . Newsweek. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
10. . Meaww. January 14, 2023. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
11. "Election Results; Official Election Returns" (PDF). Missouri Secretary of State. August 27, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
12. "Election Results; Official Election Returns" (PDF). Missouri Secretary of State. November 30, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
13. "Election Results; Unofficial Election Returns" (PDF). Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
14. "Election Results; Official Election Returns" (PDF). Missouri Secretary of State. December 9, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2023.