Sam Graves

Sam Graves is a Republican U.S. Representative for Missouri's 6th Congressional District, first elected to Congress in 2000 and assuming office in January 2001. Born and raised in Tarkio, Missouri, Graves is a sixth-generation family farmer and a professional pilot. He earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy from the University of Missouri in 1986. Before his tenure in the U.S. House, he served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995 and the Missouri Senate from 1995 to 2001. In the House, Graves has established himself as a leader on transportation and infrastructure issues, currently serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He previously chaired the Small Business Committee and has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee. His legislative work often focuses on rural economic development, aviation modernization, and federal highway funding. In March 2026, Graves announced that he would not seek re-election for his seat in the 2026 midterms, marking the conclusion of a congressional career spanning over two decades.

Graves's policy positions are rooted in fiscal conservatism and rural advocacy. On the economy, he advocates for fiscal discipline, a balanced budget amendment, and reining in federal spending to combat inflation. He has consistently supported permanent tax cuts, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and has co-sponsored legislation to replace the progressive income tax with a national sales tax (the 'Fair-Tax'). Regarding immigration, Graves supports strict border security measures, including the completion of a border wall, the reinstatement of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy, and the ending of 'catch and release' practices while opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants. In healthcare, he favors market-based reforms such as allowing small businesses to pool resources for insurance, increased competition across state lines, and policy portability. He is a staunch opponent of using taxpayer funds for abortion and supports defunding Planned Parenthood. His energy and environmental positions follow an 'all-of-the-above' approach that promotes domestic oil and gas production alongside renewable energy, while opposing EPA regulations like the 'social cost of carbon' which he views as burdensome to the economy. As a transportation leader, he has championed the modernization of the FAA and long-term funding for national highway and bridge projects.