That’s why we’re working to Draft Frank Barnitz for Congress.
Frank Barnitz’s life has been defined by commitment to family, agriculture, and community. A graduate of Rolla High School, he attended Southwest Missouri State University before building a life with his wife and daughters in Lake Spring, MO, where he and his family live on the same farmland his great-great-grandfather farmed.
We need a Congressman who understands our public schools are hurting and our rural hospitals aren’t getting the support they need, all while costs for our families soar!
Frank Barnitz is a lifelong Missourian, family farmer, and State Senator who will bring real rural leadership back to Missouri’s 8th Congressional District. Raised on his family farm in Lake Spring, Frank built a career rooted in agriculture, small business, and public service — serving in both the Missouri House and Senate, where he championed rural communities, infrastructure, and working families. With deep local roots and a proven record of bipartisan problem-solving, Frank is ready to fight for the values, voices, and future of the 8th District.
Frank Barnitz is a proven public servant, lifelong Missourian, and dedicated farmer with deep roots in rural communities. Born in Poplar Bluff and raised on his family’s farm in Lake Spring, he understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing working families across the 8th District.
Frank is not just a farmer — he’s a business owner and operator. He manages Barnitz Farms, land that has been in his family for generations, and runs Networth Feeds & Feeding, a custom feed mill that supports local agricultural producers. His experience gives him a real-world understanding of rural economies, family farms, and the industries that keep Missouri strong.
Frank’s political career spans more than a decade of dedicated public service. He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2000 and later won a special election to the Missouri State Senate in 2005, serving through 2011. During his time in the legislature, Frank served on key committees including Appropriations, Agriculture, Transportation, and Ways & Means. His work consistently reflected his commitment to supporting farmers, strengthening rural infrastructure, and promoting responsible economic growth.
Guided by Midwestern values of faith, family, and service, Frank and his wife Lisa have raised their three daughters — Leslie, Camilla, and Kenadee — on their farm in Lake Spring. The Barnitz family attends Grace Christian Church in Salem and remains deeply involved in their community. Frank has served as a 4-H leader and been active with the University of Missouri Wurdack Farm Advisory Board, the Farm Bureau, and the Dent County Cattlemen’s Association. He also served on the Dent-Phelps R-III School Board, working to support local education.
Missouri’s 8th Congressional District deserves a representative who understands rural life and is committed to delivering results for the people who call it home. With a track record of bipartisan cooperation, practical problem-solving, and a deep love for the region, Frank is ready to fight for farmers, strengthen rural communities, and ensure the voices of working Missourians are heard in Washington.