Southwest Missouri CPA running for Congress

Courtesy Kalena Bruce campaign Facebook page

Kalena Bruce's campaign pledge is to "clean up Congress."

A southwest Missouri certified public accountant and cattle farmer announced her bid for Congress.

Kalena Bruce, a Stockton resident who runs an accounting firm in Bolivar, is seeking the 4th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, according to a news release. Hartzler announced in June she is running for the seat slated to be vacated next year by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri.

Bruce, who's running as a Republican, has not sought public office before. Her campaign pledge is to "clean up Congress."

"We must get serious about reining in federal spending and getting our budget balanced," she said in the release. "We can fund our priorities, like education, infrastructure and national security, while still cutting taxes and maintaining a balanced budget.

"Getting out of debt to adversarial nations like China must be a top priority."

Bruce, according to the release, was recognized in January 2019 by President Donald Trump for helping his administration develop the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.