State rep launches campaign for Bolivar mayor

provided by Mike Stephens campaign

Mike Stephens, pictured with his wife, Nancy, is running for mayor of Bolivar.

Businessperson and politician Mike Stephens is running for mayor of Bolivar after terming out in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Stephens said in a news release that running for the job would allow him to continue serving his hometown.

"The public has placed their trust in me during my time as your state representative, and I consider that an incredible honor," Stephens said in the release. "I am committed to continuing to serve the people of Bolivar to ensure that our community continues to thrive."

If elected mayor, Stephens would take over for his successor in the Missouri House. Bolivar Mayor Christopher D. Warwick won Stephens' District 128 seat in the November election.

Stephens' fourth term as District 128 representative expires in January, according to the release. First elected to the Missouri House in 2016, Stephens in the release cited his role in a recent state tax cut and his service on the Joint Committee on Public Assistance and the Health and Mental Health Policy Committee. He chaired the latter committee for six years.

In 2019, Citizens Memorial Hospital bought Stephens Pharmacy Inc. from Stephens, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.