Another name has been added to the list of candidates seeking the 7th District Congressional Seat being vacated next year by Billy Long.

Jay Wasson, who is a past member of both the Missouri House and Senate, announces Thursday morning his intent to seek the Republican Nomination for the seat after Long announced his intention to seek the U.S. Senate Seat of the retiring Roy Blunt in the 2022 Election. 

In a press release making the announcement, Wasson says he wants to fix what is broken in Washington and "to put America first again."

Wasson joins current State Senators Eric Burlison and Mike Moon along with Audrey Richards in seeking the Republican Nomination for the seat. 

The complete release from Jay Wasson is below:

Ozarks builder, leader and small business owner, Jay Wasson, in announcing he was running for the open 7th District Congressional seat in southwest Missouri, clearly defined his mission is to “fix what is broken” in Washington. In his video announcement to the residents of southwest Missouri released today (https://youtu.be/5FpfY0mWh1I) Wasson, a Republican, stated the country had been “hijacked by folks who must of lost their minds.” He then listed just a few of the recent crises the country has had or still faces, including the uncontrolled southern border, the mismanagement of the exit from Afghanistan, the dangerous and inflationary national debt, the China threat, and those trying to bring false and divisive curriculum into our public schools. He then said, “There’s a lot that needs fixing in Washington. That’s why I’m running for Congress. It’s time to put America first again.” Wasson was just 15 years-old when his father’s failing health left Jay to run the Christian County family farm that had been in his family since before the Civil War. Jay became a home builder at 19 to help pay the inheritance taxes owed after his father’s death. Jay says his dad taught him “complaining won’t fix anything. Don’t wait for someone else. If it’s broken, get to work, and fix it.” Jay’s mother was a natural leader who instilled in him a strong sense of duty to serve the community. She served as Nixa’s postmaster for nearly 40 years, and PAID FOR BY WASSON FOR CONGRESS . later as the city’s mayor. Jay followed her example of serving others by selflessly taking time away from his business to be a leader in his community and to become a highly effective citizen-legislator for Ozarks conservative views and values. Jay’s leadership in the state senate ensured passage of the then largest tax cut in state history, balanced the budget every year, fully funded our schools and helped lead the state to record growth in high-paying, family supporting jobs. He fought to restore our Second Amendment gun rights and to protect innocent life. A Constitutional conservative, Jay said, “It is critical now that we have leaders in Congress who are committed to a Constitutional government, fiscal restraint, faith, national and border security, and personal freedom and responsibility. We need leaders in Congress with a documented record of successfully leading conservative initiatives past liberal, bureaucratic, and special interest roadblocks.” Jay Wasson has the leadership skills, fortitude, and Ozarks commonsense to do more than talk about change. His record proves he can win the changes we need to keep the American promise alive. Jay, and his wife Retha---who is a retired accountant and Taney County native, live in Christian County.