Grounded in rural Missouri

Vicky Hartzler is a leader who believes people of character have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference for others through public service. She learned the importance of family, the reality of the American dream, and the value of a strong work ethic growing up on a farm in rural Cass County working alongside her parents, Ted and Virginia Zellmer, and sister, Peggy. She continues the farming tradition today with her husband, Lowell Hartzler, on their family farm near Harrisonville where they raise corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay and run a cow-calf cattle operation. They are also owners of Hartzler Equipment Company selling farm equipment with stores in Harrisonville, Nevada, and Lamar.

Vicky graduated class valedictorian from Archie High School and summa cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a B.S. in Education and the University of Central Missouri with a M.S. in Education. She enjoyed investing in the lives of our young people by teaching junior and senior high family and consumer sciences for 11 years in Lebanon and Belton, Missouri.

In 1994 she successfully ran for state representative and had the privilege of representing the good people in Cass and Johnson Counties for six years where she championed legislation promoting adoption, strengthening education, and lowering taxes for working Missourians. She fought for small business owners, farmers, workers, and the jobs they create and hold. She fought for what we value—life, individual rights guaranteed us in the U.S. Constitution, freedom.

During her time in office she received many awards including "Individual of the Year Award" from the Harrisonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and "Public Servant of the Year Award" from the Pleasant Hill Area Chamber of Commerce.

In 2004 Vicky fought for the values we hold dear by serving as Spokesperson for the Coalition to Protect Marriage in Missouri helping to lead the statewide campaign to protect traditional marriage from activist judges. On Election Day, Missouri voters passed the constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman with 71% of the vote.

In 2005 Missouri Governor Matt Blunt appointed her chairperson of the Missouri Women’s Council—an agency within the Department of Economic Development dedicated to helping women achieve their economic goals—and was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Missouri Senate.

In 2010, Vicky Hartzler decided to re-enter public service by running for the United States Congress. Although outspent 3:1 in the race by her opponent, Vicky won on Election Day. Today, Vicky Hartzler represents the wonderful people of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District.

Throughout her career as a small-business owner, schoolteacher, state representative and congresswoman, Vicky has remained steadfast in her principles. Vicky believes America was a nation founded on the principles of faith, family, freedom and free enterprise, and that every American has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are principles worth fighting for and Vicky is leading the way.

The Hartzler’s reside near Harrisonville with their daughter.