Conservative farmer from Palmyra announces campaign for District 5 state representative in Missouri

PALMYRA, Mo. — Roth McElvain, who described himself as a “fifth-generation farmer, husband, father and proven conservative leader,” announced on Thursday his candidacy for District 5 Missouri State Representative.

A lifelong resident of Marion County, McElvain lives and works on his family’s farm outside Palmyra, raising crops and cattle.

“Our part of Missouri is often overlooked in Jefferson City,” McElvain said in a press release. “We need a voice who understands rural life, believes in local control and will fight every day to defend our way of life. I’m running because I care deeply about our families, our rural communities, and our future.”

McElvain is a graduate of Palmyra R-1 Schools. He earned a degree in economics from Truman State University, graduating cum laude. He is a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Palmyra and active in the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to running his farm, Roth has spent years serving his community:

• Palmyra R-1 School Board member (six years), president in 2025
• Board member, Palmyra Kiwanis and Palmyra School Foundation
• Chairman, scholarship committee, Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association
• Graduate, Missouri Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow (Class of 2018)
• Missouri Soy Association grassroots fellow
• Active member, Hannibal Committee for Conservative Leadership

McElvain has worked with state and national officials to promote agriculture, strengthen rural economies and protect conservative values.

As a state representative, McElvain said in his press release that he will fight for:

• Protecting family farms and small businesses by cutting burdensome regulations and promoting economic opportunity.
• Local control of government by empowering counties and school districts to make the decisions that are best for their communities.
• Responsible fiscal leadership by making efficient budgeting decisions based on sound economics to keep government spending in check.
• Defending life and promoting adoption.
• Expanding access to childcare so working families can raise children in safe, supportive environments.
• Safeguarding the Second Amendment by standing strong against attempts to weaken our constitutional rights.

“Faith, freedom, and family — that’s what I’m fighting for,” McElvain said. “I’ll take our conservative values to Jefferson City and work hard every day to make sure rural Missouri is never left behind.”

For more information about McElvain’s campaign or to join the team, visit mcelvainformissouri.com or email mcelvainformissouri@gmail.com.