Gena Puckett, a retired public school teacher and lifelong resident of northwest Missouri, has announced her candidacy for the Missouri House of Representatives in District 9. A mom, grandma, and former educator, Puckett is running as an independent voice. She is choosing to run as a Democrat but will answer only to her constituents, not party bosses or special interests. 

A Gallatin native, Puckett moved to St. Joseph to attend Missouri Western State University, earning her degree in mathematics education. She began her teaching career in Ridgeway and retired from Platte County R-III, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her decades of service in math education and student government leadership. After retirement, she returned to her rural roots, settling in Stewartsville.

Puckett said her decision to run was driven by years of watching Jefferson City ignore the will of voters: underfunding public schools, overturning voter-approved measures like puppy mill legislation and Clean Missouri, or putting donor interests ahead of the everyday families that make up the fabric of NW Missouri.

For Puckett, who believes public service should be guided by a moral compass rather than party labels or special interests, enough was enough. Her campaign will focus on fully funding public schools, protecting rural hospitals, supporting local libraries, and ensuring that the voices of farmers and working families are heard in Jefferson City over those of the wealthy and well-connected.

“I’ve spent my life in northwest Missouri,” Puckett said. “I taught generations of students. I raised a family here. I’m not looking for a political career. I’m looking to get things done. District 9 deserves a representative who knows this community, answers to no one but the voters, and will fight for what’s right.”