Mark Alford is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, having taken office on January 3, 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party, and his diverse career encompasses journalism, business, and politics.
Career Path to Congress
Born on October 4, 1963, in Baytown, Texas, Mark Alford graduated from Baytown Sterling High School in 1982. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he focused on government and Latin American affairs. Alford began his professional journey in journalism, spending 25 years as the lead anchor for Kansas City’s top-rated morning news show. His time in journalism allowed him to engage deeply with the community and gain insight into regional issues. Transitioning from media to politics, Alford utilized his public profile and communication skills to successfully campaign for Congress in Missouri’s 4th District.
Sponsored Legislation
Since assuming office, Representative Alford has been active in legislative initiatives. He sponsored the “Crucial Communism Teaching Act” (H.R. 5349), which aims to develop and disseminate a civic education curriculum and oral history resources concerning various political ideologies. The bill passed the House on December 6, 2024.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Representative Alford has consistently aligned with conservative positions on key social issues:
Abortion: He voted in favor of the “Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act” on January 16, 2025, reflecting his commitment to protecting women from violence.
Education: Alford sponsored the “Crucial Communism Teaching Act,” emphasizing the importance of educating students about political ideologies and their historical impacts.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
In the economic sphere, Alford has expressed support for fiscal conservatism:
Federal Spending: He has voiced concerns about excessive federal spending and advocates for reducing the national debt, emphasizing the need for responsible budgeting and curbing unnecessary expenditures.
Taxation: Alford supports tax policies that stimulate economic growth and provide relief to businesses and individuals. He has backed legislation aimed at reducing tax burdens to encourage investment and job creation.
Votes and Stances on National Defense, the NDAA, and DARPA
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Alford is actively involved in national defense matters:
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): He voted in favor of the NDAA, supporting provisions that enhance military readiness and modernization.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): Alford advocates for continued investment in DARPA to maintain technological superiority and address emerging threats.
Demographics of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District
Missouri’s 4th District has a diverse population:
– Population: Approximately 750,000 residents.
– Age Distribution: A balanced mix of age groups, with a median age around 38 years.
– Ethnicity: Predominantly White (approximately 85%), with African American (8%), Hispanic (4%), and other minority groups constituting the remainder.
– Education: A significant portion of the adult population has a high school diploma, with about 25% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
– Economy: The district has a diverse economic base that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with an average household income around $55,000.
Controversial Statements
Throughout his career, Alford has been known for his candid communication style. While specific controversial statements are not documented in the provided sources, his direct approach has occasionally sparked debate among constituents and observers.
In summary, Representative Mark Alford’s multifaceted career and active legislative role underscore his commitment to the constituents of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District. His positions on social, economic, and defense issues reflect his dedication to conservative principles and responsive governance.Mark Alford is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, having assumed office on January 3, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Alford’s diverse career spans journalism, business, and politics.