Deanna Self

Deanna Self was born in Wood River, Illinois. Self earned an associate degree from St. Louis Community College–Meramec in 1986 and two graduate degrees from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2001 and 2007, respectively. Her career experience includes working as a licensed professional counselor for individual, couple, marriage and family therapy. Self has served in various ministry leadership roles and served as North County chapter chair and St. Charles County chapter chair for Missouri Right to Life.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Deanna Self: Wife, Mom, Grandma, Retired Professional Counselor from Private Practice, Conservative Republican, Running for re-election.

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 believe my experiences of raising a family, as a retired Professional Counselor from Private Practice, and in Community Service have put me in touch with the needs of my district and I believe I can best represent them.Proven Conservative RepublicanLeadership for the Future!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Campaign Priorities:

Cut Taxes

Protect 2nd Amendment

Protect Unborn Babies

Protect Parental Rights

Protect Girls' Sports

Protect Conservative Values

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Fraternal Order of Police - Missouri State Lodge,

Jay Schroeder, President, Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Letter Dated May 20, 2026.

Freedom Principle MO - Missouri First Pac, Byron Keelin, President, Freedom Principle MO - Missouri First PAC, Email Letter Dated May 20, 2026.

Deanna Self did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am very Conservative, Republican and Pro-Life.

PROFESSIONAL: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor for Individuals, Couples, Marriage & Family with a Private Practice in Lake St. Louis, MO.

EDUCATION: In 2007, I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. In 2001, I graduated with a Master's degree in Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary. And in 1986, I graduated with an Associate's degree, Court and Conference Reporting, St. Louis Community College at Meramec.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Since my husband went into pastoral ministry in 1988, I have served in many ministry leadership positions such as: Worship Leader, Choir Director, Bible Study Teacher. I've also served on many committees such as: Building Expansion, Building Renovation, and Church Council.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: North County Chapter Chair, Missouri Right to Life, 1989-1991. St. Charles County Chapter Chair, Missouri Right to Life, 1/2019-1/2021. Currently, I lead the Worship Service and play the piano in church.

PERSONAL: While I was born in Illinois, most of my life has been spent in Missouri. My husband and I have been married 45 years. I loved helping to raise our two kids and babysitting our six grandkids, but I am concerned about the future, which is why I am running. I feel I have been blessed and I want others to have the same opportunities.

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?

Reduce Runaway Taxes and Out of Control Spending. I am concerned, as most people I talk to are, about the excessive tax burden. Government's number one responsibility is our defense, but in many other areas from gas to groceries, citizens are feeling the pinch. So, I will work to reduce runaway taxation and spending.Protect Innocent, Human Lives and Reduce Crime. I am determined to protect unborn babies. Abortion should not be legal, and taxpayers should never have to pay for one. I also want to work to make communities safe. The lost lives of all crime victims are tragic, and the increased crime rate needs to be addressed without endangering the Second Amendment.Education. I support the rights of parents to be involved in their children's education and mental health. Children need to be taught ABC's and 123's, like Reading, Writing, Math, History and Science. CRT should not be taught in schools. Leave the sex education and cultural ideologies to the parents. I also support School Choice or Tax Credits for Education. Taxpayer money should follow the child.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public policies I am personally passionate about: .

1) The Protection of all innocent, human Life would include things like: Providing for our State, & Local Law Enforcement. Defending unborn, human babies; Crime Prevention; and Defending the 2nd Amendment.

2) Fair Fiscal Management would include things like reducing: Taxation, Debt, and Spending.

3) Defending Christian and Missouri Values includes supporting things like: Exemptions for Religious organizations or Faith-based organizations, and Freedom of conscience; Parental rights in education and mental health.

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

I have always looked up to my mother and father, who are now deceased. I would like to follow their examples in: Faith, Family, Hard work. The reasons are that they were both great examples of being people of faith, frequent church attendance, regular prayer and Bible reading, and did their best to live the Ten Commandments, and to love God and their neighbors, and to be law abiding citizens. They were both hard workers, regardless of whether they worked at home or away from home. They were both faithful to each other and their family.

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

The characteristics or principles most important for an elected official: honesty, hard work, persistence, patience, empathy, integrity, courage and willingness to go for what you want. The desire to serve others, not be self-serving is also very important.

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

Strong-willed, commonsense, good listener, persistence, determined, compassionate, empathetic, hard worker, and integrity.

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

The core responsibilities: to be part of making laws that will be to the benefit of my district and all Missourians.

What legacy would you like to leave?

If and when I leave elected office, the legacy I hope to leave would be that I was part of the team that championed and protected innocent, human life; from unborn babies, to children, to crime victims. To be part of the team that supported law and order and law enforcement and helped to rebuild a sense of peace, security and safety. Finally, in a world that currently feels way off track, to be part of the team that helped to restore a sense of stability, respect and pride in our great country.

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

The re-election of President Richard Nixon in 1972 happened when I was about 10 1/2 years old.

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

My first paid job was a Dog Walker. I was paid 35-45 cents and a chocolate bar, like Snickers or Milky Way, to walk a beagle for 15 minutes a day. I think I had it a couple of years when I was still at home.

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

I believe Missouri's greatest challenges will be reducing taxes and spending.

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

While it's beneficial to have experience doing any job, it is not necessary, as jobs can be learned. I can learn the job. Everyone has their first day, first month, or first year. The position belongs to the people, not the politician. The more important question is does someone have leadership experience and skills, which I do.

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

I am not focused on future jobs, if I win this election. I want to do the best job I can on what is in front of me to the best of my abilities.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

It's not about their stories that made people memorable, But when people shared their hearts, their concerns, and then put their faith in me to allow me to put a sign in their yard, I felt I had been entrusted with something sacred. The burden of responsibility feels huge. I feel humbled to possibly be their next state representative. I am determined, and with God's help, I will do what I say I'm going to do in order to carry out my responsibility and commitments to them.

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

Yes. More voices mean a better representation.

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

When possible, in order to be fair, compromise is desirable.