Jackson County Democratic Committee

A native of the small town of DeSoto, Mo., Gov. Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon was raised in a family of public servants. His mother, the late Betty Wilson Nixon, was a teacher and served as president of the local school board. His father, Jerry Nixon, was elected Mayor of DeSoto and was a police judge for the community.

Growing up in a home with these strong examples, Gov. Nixon learned at a young age that faith and family come first - and giving back to the community comes next. That’s the simple philosophy that has guided Gov. Nixon throughout his career in public service.

After earning both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Gov. Nixon returned to DeSoto to practice as an attorney. In 1986, he was elected to his first term in the Missouri State Senate, where he would represent the people of Jefferson County for six years. As a young State Senator, Gov. Nixon reached across the aisle to pass several major pieces of legislation, including an expansion of pre-natal care for expectant mothers.

Then, in 1992, the people of Missouri elected Gov. Nixon to serve as their Attorney General. Inheriting an office tainted by scandal, Gov. Nixon restored integrity to the Attorney General’s Office by cleaning up corruption, cracking down on crime and protecting consumers and the environment. Under Gov. Nixon’s leadership, the Attorney General’s Office became one of the most efficient and effective in state government; in 2007, the office saved or generated more than $20 for every $1 appropriated by the legislature.

As Attorney General, Gov. Nixon earned a reputation for taking on the toughest fights - and winning. Gov. Nixon’s suit against the big tobacco companies collected billions for Missourians, and his settlement with the insurance companies led to the formation of several of the largest health care foundations in state history. One of Gov. Nixon’s most successful programs, Missouri’s popular No-Call List, has become a model for states across the nation. Because of his effective leadership, the people of Missouri elected Gov. Nixon to a record four terms as Attorney General.

Missourians overwhelmingly elected Jay Nixon their 55th Governor on Nov. 4, 2008, to lead the state in a new direction. During these difficult economic times, Gov. Nixon has put forward an agenda to make government more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of Missouri families. He is committed to attracting the jobs of the future to Missouri, making health care more affordable and placing a college education within reach for middle-class students. As he did as a young State Senator and throughout his career, Gov. Nixon will reach across the aisle to put Missouri families first.

Gov. Nixon and his wife, Georganne, have two sons, Jeremiah and Will. They belong to the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City.