Power Profile: Representative Alex Riley
Representative Alex Riley represents the citizens of the 134th District in the Missouri House of Representatives..
Representative Alex Riley, R-Springfield, is committed to finding new ways to cut bureaucratic red tape and foster a thriving business environment in Missouri. With a focus on simplifying regulations, Riley aims to support entrepreneurs and uplift communities across the state.
As the incoming majority floor leader of the Missouri House of Representatives, Riley is focused on creating an environment where residents have the resources and opportunities needed to build successful lives, free from unnecessary obstacles.
Riley's background as a trial attorney exposed him to the challenges many business owners face. He frequently worked with clients who wanted to start businesses but were hindered by governmental bureaucracy.
“That just caused me no end of frustration,” Riley said. He wanted to ensure that people seeking to invest in Missouri communities weren’t hampered by excessive state regulations.
This frustration became a catalyst for his first run for office in 2020, giving him the drive to create a more streamlined, business-friendly environment in the state. After that successful campaign for the Missouri House of Representatives, Riley was re-elected easily in 2024, facing no opposition.
But economic growth isn't Riley's only concern — he is also deeply committed to addressing poverty and homelessness. Riley’s legislative district includes parts of central and south Springfield, where the unemployment rate is relatively low, around 2.8% as of September. However, the city still has a high poverty rate of 20-25%, suggesting that many residents are employed in low-wage jobs which are insufficient to lift them above the poverty line.
“It’s a weird dynamic,” Riley said. “I’m trying to improve the overall economic climate here.”
By focusing on reducing poverty, Riley hopes to help residents build stable lives and ensure that economic growth reaches everyone.
Going into the new legislative session, Riley is optimistic. With House and Senate leadership and the incoming governor, Mike Kehoe, aligned in their priorities, he said there is momentum for positive change. Their legislative agenda includes bolstering public safety, expanding educational opportunities and reforming tax laws to make them more favorable for residents and businesses alike.
“You can’t have a thriving economy if your streets aren’t safe,” Riley said, emphasizing his support for law enforcement and public safety initiatives.
Energy infrastructure, too, plays a key role in Riley's vision for Missouri. With part of his law practice involving the energy and utility sector, Riley said he understands the importance of a robust energy grid.
“That’s another basic building block to building a thriving economy,” he said.
He sees reliable power infrastructure as critical to attracting new businesses and believes Missouri must take an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy, supporting everything from coal and natural gas to wind and solar. While much energy policy is dictated at the federal level, Riley argues that Missouri can play a significant role by supporting diverse energy options and allowing companies like Ameren Missouri to continue their efficiency programs without state interference.
Riley’s work at the statehouse is fueled by a desire to see Missouri families thrive, and when he’s not legislating or working, he’s spending time with his own. Riley and his wife, Ellen, have three young children, and they love spending time outdoors — camping, hiking and attending sporting events together.
From advancing economic reforms to strengthening energy infrastructure, Riley is committed to creating a foundation for growth, opportunity and lasting prosperity across Missouri. To learn more about his work in the State Capitol, please visit his official website at house.mo.gov.