Rik Combs

Rik Combs was born in Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1984 and an advanced degree from the University of Florida in 1997. Combs served as a career officer in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 2006. His professional experience also includes working as the CEO of Baron AG from 2006 to 2009. Combs has been associated with the VFW, American Legion, the Air Force Association, the United Sportsmen's Club, Eagles, Rotary, United Way, Safety Net, Vitae Foundation, the Pregnancy Help Center, the Samaritan Center, Hunting for Heroes, Operation Bugle Boy, the NRA, Gun Owners of America, National Association for Gun Rights, Wreathes for Heroes, Wardsville Lions Club, Americans for Tax Reform, Missouri Club for Growth, Campaign for Liberty, Toys for Tots, Young Americans for Liberty, Cole County Parks Committee, and the LU/DBUSA.[1]

On March 9, 2026, Combs informed [the profile publisher] he changed party affiliation from Constitution Party to Republican.[2]

Rik Combs did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fiscal responsibility and government efficiency.

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

Jesus Christ--for his example.

Andrew Jackson for his place in history and his leadership.

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

The Bible primarily.

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

Honesty, humility, transparency.

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

Whole-person concept. Well rounded in life--education, spiritually, healthy, education, etc.

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

Integrity, honesty, and fidelity.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Statesman and not a politician.

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

Presidential election 1968 (4).

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

Farm work at home--through high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. Guidepost for life.

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

Batman.

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

Baby Shark.

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

Fighting socialism.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

Servant of the people and steward of the states' resources.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Protecting the people from force and fraud.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

Work in concert with the legislature to provide the best product available.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

Annually used to ensure the taxpayers' interests are protected.

If the governor's office in your state does not have the line-item veto power, do you believe it should? Why or why not?

Yes, the Governor is the state's gatekeeper with regard to the budget.

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

Working in harmony or in concert to ensure the people are taken care of.

What do you love most about your state?

The people.

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

Poverty is high in most counties, economic growth is slower than the national average, and drug use is rampant.

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