Bob Onder is currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 3rd congressional district, having been elected in 2024. Prior to his role in Congress, Onder had a diverse career in both medicine and state politics.
Career Path to Congress
- Graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Economics.
- Obtained a medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine.
- Practiced as a physician specializing in allergy and asthma care.
- Graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law.
- Served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2007 to 2008.
- Elected to the Missouri Senate in 2014, where he served from 2015 to 2023.
- Ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House in Missouri’s 9th congressional district in 2008.
- Announced his candidacy for Missouri’s 3rd congressional district in 2024.
- Won both the Republican primary and the general election, succeeding Blaine Luetkemeyer.
Legislative Achievements as a Missouri State Senator (2015-2023)
- Authored HB 1549 in 2008, which banned sanctuary cities in Missouri and implemented strict immigration measures.
- Sponsored SB 638 to guard against Critical Race Theory in public schools.
- Introduced SB 182, which banned union-only project labor agreements in Missouri.
- Authored SB1/SB5 in 2017, implementing health and safety standards for abortion clinics.
- Sponsored legislation to lower income taxes, including bills in 2022, 2021, and 2020.
Stances on Social Issues
- Strongly anti-abortion: Authored legislation that strengthened restrictions on abortion clinics and banned abortions after eight weeks.
- Supports religious freedom: Introduced Senate Joint Resolution 39, a proposed amendment to protect businesses that refuse service to LGBTQIA+ couples.
- Advocates for gun rights: Supported Constitutional Carry and the Second Amendment Preservation Act.
- Opposes Critical Race Theory in schools.
- Led efforts to pass legislation protecting women’s sports and banning transgender medical treatments for minors.