Cathy Loy

Cathy Loy was born in Ottawa, Kansas. She earned a degree from Joe Herndon Area Vocational School in 1979. As of 2024, Loy was affiliated with Jasper County Central Committee Member, Republican Women, Missouri Republican Assembly, Carthage Historical Preservation, and Concerned Women for America.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Pro-Life: from the womb to the grave

Personal Liberty w/ responsibility

Education Reform to make sure quality education is available to all children

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am pro-life and believe every person, from the womb to the grave, should have the opportunity to pursue happiness and live a life of integrity, personal responsibility, and freedom from unnecessary government overreach.I believe personal liberty and personal responsibility go hand in hand. A free society is built by empowering people to work, innovate, and pursue opportunity, not by fostering dependence on government. Free markets and individual initiative create stronger families, communities, and a more prosperous future.I believe we’ve lost our way in education by putting systems ahead of students. Education reform should focus on helping every child succeed, strengthening quality public schools, and giving parents meaningful choices to find the best fit for their family.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Tax policy, reigning in welfare, deregulating burdensome business practices, foster care reforms, and healthcare cost transparency include pre-authorization reform; MO Budget

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Phyllis Schlafly, Penny Nance, Catherine Hanaway

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I strive to be a transparent and honest legislator who listens first, continues to learn, and approaches every issue with humility, integrity, and respect for the people I represent.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Read the legislation, ask questions of the stakeholder's, direct constituents to the best resource to handle issues.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope my legacy is one of faith, integrity, and faithful service. I want to be remembered as a woman who loved Jesus Christ, lived by conviction, and worked to preserve the Judeo-Christian principles of liberty, personal responsibility, and human dignity for future generations.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Taught Arts & Crafts afterschool

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I’m a people pleaser so the thick skin needed in politics has been a tremendous learning curve. Especially with those who I once thought we shared the same ideas.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Working together!

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I believe Missouri’s greatest challenge over the next decade is overcoming institutional stagnation. We are a deeply conservative state, yet too often our policies fail to reflect the values of our citizens. An initiative petition process that can amend our Constitution without legislative deliberation, combined with an increasingly top-heavy bureaucracy, has made meaningful reform difficult. If we want Missouri to lead, we must reign in government by improving educational outcomes, enact pro-growth tax policy, reduce unnecessary regulation, and build a government that is more responsive, efficient, and accountable to the people.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. there are 163 house members and 34 senators in Missouri. We must come together for the best outcomes and when our ideas do not align, we must respectfully work to either come with compromise or let the issue die.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Missouri, right to life; Missouri Republican assembly;NRA, Missouri State medical Association;, Make liberty Win: Missouri Realtor association; Missouri insurance coalition; Freedom Principle - MO; quality schools Association; congressman, Eric Burlison; congressman, Jason Smith,

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Moon landing.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a dedicated Christian and prayer warrior, anchoring my family in faith. Originally from Kansas City, I've made SW Missouri my home since 2000. Often deemed conservative for my classical liberal beliefs, I prioritize family, faith, and conservative principles. Married for 43 years with 5 children and 10 grandchildren, our deep family commitment showed as foster/adopt parents. With a passion to serve people and empowering them to live their fullest lives, I believe policies from Jefferson City directly impact individuals, urging active engagement in politics for a stronger community. In my church, I serve on hospitality, while my husband is an elder. In politics, I lead as the 7th Congressional District Chair, VP of Republican Women, and vice-chair of the county central committee. Appointed by the Governor to the MPCSC, I've fought progressive initiatives and championed education excellence. Drawing from experience in managing a licensed daycare and utilizing various education options—from public to private to homeschooling to hybrid—for my own children's needs, I am confident that Missouri can implement policies in our public schools to offer similar great options for all children in the state. I believe in limited government, innovation in charity, and preserving constitutional principles. With a background in Graphic Design and small business, I offer a unique perspective in public service, fostering unity, hard work and principled compromises.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Pro Life- Championing life at every stage, I will prioritize protecting the vulnerable and empowering families to choose life. From promoting alternatives to abortion to ensuring care for the truly disabled, my commitment extends from the cradle to the grave. Recognizing that we are all image bearers of God, pro-life isn't just a slogan; it's our guiding principle. I aim to work on policies and foster a culture in Missouri where every life is valued and cherished.Limited Government-I advocate for limited government, emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility. Government overreach stifles innovation and burdens taxpayers. It's time to reclaim our independence from excessive control. Let's refocus government on its essential roles, not as poverty managers. Restoring true liberty and self-reliance should be the goal of every elected official.Educational Excellence - my primary goal is to elevate Missouri's public schools to national excellence. Public education remains vital, offering foundational skills and fostering community. Yet, I advocate for educational choice to ensure quality for all. By empowering parents and fostering healthy competition, we drive innovation and maximize taxpayer investment. Collaborating with public charters, private, homeschools, and innovative models, we create a robust educational system. We must prioritize student success and what that truly means. I commit to Missouri students and policies that work for them, not just the institutions where they are educated

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about education, mental health, poverty alleviation, downsizing state government, and supporting foster families. These areas are critical for societal well-being and individual flourishing. I believe in creating policies that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a culture of compassion and opportunity for all, without relying on government handouts and overreaching programs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Marsha Blackburn always came across to me as poised, dignified and a true champion of the liberty movement. The late women's ministry leader Devi Titus was also such a great example of a strong woman who followed Jesus with a passion.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Anything by Thomas Sowell, but the following are truly books that have shaped my thinking over the past few years. FAULT LINES by Voddie Bachman, TALE of TWO KINGDOMS by Michael Horton; STRANGE NEW WORLD by Carl Truman, BATTLE FOR THE AMERICAN MINDS, by Pete Hegseth: AGENCY, by Ian Rowe, LETTERS to the AMERICAN CURCH by Eric Metaxas; INSIDE AMERICAN EDUCATION by Thomas Howell, BELIEVE IN PEOPLE by Charles and Brian Koch.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As a legislator, I believe the most important characteristics and principles are deeply rooted in faith, individual liberty, and constitutional governance. Guided by my faith and prayer, integrity becomes paramount, ensuring honesty and accountability in public service. Upholding the Constitution and respecting the rule of law are not just duties but essential beliefs, safeguarding individual rights and limiting government overreach. A commitment to fiscal responsibility and limited government is not just a policy stance but a reflection of my faith in economic freedom and opportunity for all. Additionally, valuing traditional family values and defending religious liberties are personal convictions crucial for preserving the moral fabric of society. Overall, my role as an elected official is to prioritize principles that honor God-given freedoms, uphold moral virtues, and promote the flourishing of individuals and communities. This blend of faith, individual freedom, and constitutional governance guides my actions, ensuring that I balance moral values with liberty, thus contributing to a society where diverse beliefs are respected and all individuals can thrive.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I pray. I also work with diverse, opinionated people with strong ideas and I incorporate active listening, asking insightful questions, and a strong moral compass to come to a decision. Understanding governmental issues, and insight on education is pivotal. Guided by empathy, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the capacity to tackle complex problems effectively has always been a strength of mine. I believe I have exemplified principled, empathetic, and effective leadership, driving positive change that has advanced the welfare of my community and I can use this at the state level

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to office involve ensuring individual freedoms, fostering economic opportunity, and maintaining law and order. It's about providing people with the space to live their lives as they see fit, free from unnecessary government interference. This includes safeguarding basic rights like freedom of speech and property rights, while also creating a environment for businesses to flourish, this will generate employment opportunies.. Additionally, it's imperative to ensure that laws are fair, they must be applied equally to everyone, this instills confidence in the justice system. Ultimately, I aim is to cultivate policies where individuals have the liberty to pursue their own happiness, without

undue restrictions from an expanding government. I'm committed to implementing policies that rein in government overreach rather than perpetuate it.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy is deeply personal. It's about instilling in my children and grandchildren a lasting faith in Christ, ensuring they cherish the freedom to worship as they choose. It's about revitalizing education in Missouri, returning it to its roots. I want children to embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit, grounded in wisdom and virtue, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society . I hope I can shape educational policies so I leave a brighter future for generations to come.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the POW return home from Vietnam. I believe it was around 1973 so I would have been 12. I had a schoolmate who's dad was a POW and we went as a family to welcome him home.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I taught Art's & Crafts in the after school program at the young age of 13. I worked therefor the 3 years during my time as a Junior High student because I could walk to the elementary school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

GIRL TALK: mother/Daughter Conversations by Caroline Mahaney Raising 3 daughters in today's culture and social media overload. It was just.a beautiful way to navigate those hard relationships that carried over to other areas of life. The gospel is the good news applied to living in this broken and fallen world.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Cinderella

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

FACTS by Ben Shapiro and Tom MacDonald

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the significant challenges in my life involves providing care for a family member with severe disabilities. I have been the guardian since her parents sudden and unexpected death. This responsibility has many complexities, from managing behavioral outburst and health issues to ensuring there is constant, reliable support available. It demands a significant amount of time, energy, and emotional investment from our entire family. Out of love and a sense responsibility, I willingly perform this role, but it certainly presents challenges.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one of partnership, rooted in mutual respect and collaboration. It involves open communication, active listening, and a commitment from all sides to address the state's challenges. While respecting their authority, it's essential to stand firm against any overreach nor when they stray from the principles of our conservative ideas. Both branches must prioritize the needs of the people, ensuring accountability and promoting policies that benefit all citizens. This approach fosters a healthy balance of power, prevents overreach, and promotes a prosperous future for our state.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Over the next decade, Missouri faces significant challenges that demand immediate attention. Our state's budget is spiraling out of control due to the expansion of programs never intended to be government-run. This misappropriated spending threatens our financial stability and jeopardizes essential services for our citizens. Despite having conservative budget chairs, their efforts are often overridden by legislators focused on growth and spending.

There's a pressing need to safeguard our constitution, which is under constant threat from political agendas and ideological shifts. We must uphold the rule of law and protect the foundational principles that guide our state. The relentless culture war that seeks to undermine our nation's values is changing the fiber of America. It's imperative that we remain steadfast in defending principles and resist attempts to dismantle them.

The prevalence of welfare and Medicaid handouts for the able-bodied has fostered a culture of entitlement and dependence, eroding the values of self-reliance and personal responsibility. It's crucial to reform these programs to encourage independence and empower individuals to pursue meaningful opportunities.

Our education system must be reclaimed to prioritize critical thinking and intellectual growth over rote memorization and standardized testing. We must nurture scholars who can contribute to society as innovators and leaders, rather than mere cogs in the wheel. Addressing these challenges requires bold leadership, principled decision-making, and a commitment to putting the interests of our citizens first. I'm ready to tackle these issues head-on and work tirelessly to secure a brighter future for all Missourians.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily, but I do believe one should be familiar with how the government was designed to work. Understanding that there are complexities to making policy and having an understanding of our constitutional obligations are important to know and

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance. Collaboration and coalition-building are essential for crafting inclusive policies that benefit all citizens. Legislators can work together to find common ground and develop solutions to complex issues. Also, building relationships with other legislators can facilitate diverse perspectives and ideas, enriching the legislative process. I am fortunate that with the advocacy I have done over the years, I have built good working relationships within the current members.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Eric Burlison, Ben Baker, Ed Emery, Cody Smith, Doug Richey, Dirk Deaton. These are men with great integrity, grit and principled on liberty.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

At this stage of my life, I feel deeply committed to serving others in the public sector, and that dedication is where my focus will be spent. I believe that in this season of life, I will be able to make a significant impact and fulfill my calling to serve my community, without the obligations of a young family back home. I am dedicated to completing this chapter of my service with unwavering dedication and passion and have no plans for moving up the ranks..

Tell us your favorite joke.

According to unofficial sources, a new simplified income-tax form contains only four lines:

3. How much have you left?

4. Send it in.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, but I hope its is used to protect liberty and rarely, if at all.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The Missouri Court Plan- Despite consistently electing conservative legislators, there's ongoing frustration with liberal-leaning judicial rulings that seem to contradict the will of the people. This disconnect highlights the need for a review of the current judicial selection process and potential reforms to ensure that our courts reflect the values and preferences of the citizens.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Congressman Eric Burlison, Representative Ben Baker, Republican Women of Jasper County, Southwest Mo Patriot PAC, Cheyenne International (Gibbons/Workman) Mo Leadership PAC, Missouri Republican Assembly as of now, but I am expecting endorsements at the end of May.

What committees interest you?

Education, Family, Downsizing Government.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

financial transparency and government accountability are paramount. Transparency ensures that citizens can hold their government accountable, fostering trust and integrity in public institutions. As stewards of taxpayer money, elected officials have a duty to be transparent about how funds are allocated and spent. This transparency promotes fiscal responsibility and prevents misuse of public resources. Moreover, accountability ensures that elected officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions, promoting ethical governance and preventing corruption. Upholding these principles is the key to honesty and integrity Ultimately, financial transparency and government accountability are essential components of a just and equitable society, and I am committed to upholding these values in my role as a public servant.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I wholeheartedly support changes to the current state ballot initiative process, which I have been extensively advocating for over the years. My efforts have been centered around educating the public on the complexities of governance and the limitations of deciding complex issues through a simple yes or no vote.

Our representative government is not structured to effectively handle the intricacies of ballot initiatives, particularly as significant as amending the constitution should be. I firmly believe that such decisions should not be made lightly or with a simple majority.

I am a proponent of implementing a higher threshold for passing ballot initiatives or adopting the concurrent majority method, as proposed in SJR 74 during the 2024 legislative session. While some states have seen challenges with implementing a higher threshold alone. I believe this is due to a lack of understanding about our form of representative government and the crucial role of legislators.

I will continue to advocate for changes that do not reflect Missouri values. I aim to ensure that our democratic processes uphold the principles of informed decision-making and safeguard against the potential misuse of the ballot initiative system