Kurtis Gregory

Kurtis Gregory is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Missouri Senate, representing the 21st district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been active in state politics since 2021, initially serving in the Missouri House of Representatives before his election to the Senate in 2025. Gregory has a background in agriculture and sports, having played college football at the University of Missouri and briefly in the NFL.

Early life and career

Kurtis Gregory was born on August 7, 1986, in Blackburn, Missouri. He completed his secondary education at Santa Fe R-10 High School, where he likely developed an early interest in community and leadership. Following high school, Gregory pursued higher education at the University of Missouri, where he earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in General Agriculture. His academic background in agriculture has informed his later political career, particularly in areas related to farming and rural issues.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Gregory was an accomplished athlete. He played college football for the Missouri Tigers from 2006 to 2009. During his time with the team, he played as a left tackle in his freshman year and transitioned to start 41 consecutive games at right guard from 2007 until his graduation. His tenure with the Tigers included significant achievements, such as the team’s victory over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl in 2007, where they finished the season ranked fourth nationally. In 2008, the Tigers secured a win against Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl. By 2009, Gregory had earned the position of team captain, showcasing his leadership skills on and off the field. After college, he had a brief stint in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, further highlighting his athletic prowess.

Gregory's professional life is closely tied to agriculture, as he is involved in his family's farming operations, which include corn and soybeans for a local hog operation. His commitment to agriculture is evident through his active participation in various agricultural organizations. He has served on the board of directors for the Missouri Corn Growers Association and is a local delegate for MFA Oil. Additionally, he is a member of the Saline County Farm Bureau and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. His contributions to agriculture were recognized in 2022 when he received the Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award. Furthermore, he participated in the inaugural CornRoots Leadership Class in 2013, which focuses on developing leadership skills within the agricultural community.

Legislative service

Kurtis Gregory began his political career in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he was elected to represent the 51st district, which includes Lafayette and Saline counties. He took office in 2021 after winning a two-year term in the November elections. During his time in the House, Gregory was appointed to several important committee assignments, including serving as Chairman of the Rules - Regulatory Oversight Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture Policy Committee. He was also a member of the Budget Committee and participated in the Subcommittee on Appropriations for Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources, and Economic Development, as well as the Insurance Policy Committee. These roles allowed him to influence key legislative decisions and advocate for issues important to his constituents.

In 2025, Gregory transitioned to the Missouri Senate, representing the 21st district. His election to the Senate marked a continuation of his public service and commitment to the people of Missouri. His experience in the House provided him with a solid foundation for his new role, where he continues to address various legislative matters.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Kurtis Gregory has focused on several key policy areas, particularly those related to agriculture, health insurance, and environmental issues. His agricultural background has informed his legislative priorities, and he has worked closely with organizations such as the Missouri Corn Growers Association to advocate for farmers and rural communities.

In 2024, Gregory introduced a bill aimed at modifying the state’s definition of contamination sources by removing runoff. This legislation was supported by the Missouri Corn Growers Association, reflecting his commitment to agricultural interests. However, the fiscal implications of the bill were significant, as it was estimated to result in a loss of $4.7 million in funding for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with the potential reduction of 17 staff positions.

In the realm of health insurance, Gregory played a crucial role in passing legislation in 2025 that allowed the Missouri Farm Bureau to create carveouts for selling health insurance to employees outside the regulations of the Affordable Care Act. This legislation aimed to provide lower rates through medical underwriting and reduced regulations concerning pre-existing conditions. While the bill garnered support, it also faced opposition due to concerns about the impact on uninsured Missourians who may not be able to afford private health insurance. Nevertheless, the legislation included additional measures to expand state Medicaid coverage, indicating an effort to address broader health care access issues.

Kurtis Gregory resides in Marshall, Missouri, with his wife, Kella, and their three children, Brook, Landon, and Henley. The family is active in their local community, attending Calvary Baptist Church. His personal and professional experiences reflect a deep connection to the agricultural community and a commitment to public service, shaping his approach to governance and policy-making in the Missouri Senate.