Hannibal nurse, realtor announces candidacy to replace Riggs in Missouri House of Representatives

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Rose Ghattas recently announced her candidacy for the Missouri House of Representatives. A native of Hannibal, Ghattas looks to replace term-limited 5th District Rep. Louis Riggs.

She has worked as a realtor for Ravenscraft Realty since 2023. In her first four months of selling real estate, Ghattas surpassed $1 million in sales. 

She also is a registered nurse. Throughout her nursing career, Ghattas has led regional telehealth initiatives, directed educational programs at John Wood Community College and worked in both public health and private practice.

Ghattas grew up in Hannibal and attended school at Holy Family Catholic Church, where she remains an active member. She raised her five children in Northeast Missouri and is grateful that her two grandchildren will grow up nearby.

“Our rural communities are the foundation of Missouri’s economy and way of life. I am committed to supporting infrastructure development, our farmers, local education and our small business community to preserve our heritage, grow our economy and secure opportunities for generations to come,” she said in a press release.

Ghattas serves on numerous boards. She is the president-elect of the Rotary Club, on the Board of Directors of Avenues, and has been a Nutrition HQ affiliate since 2022. She received her nursing degree from Hannibal-LaGrange University in 2013.