Power Profile: Senator Lincoln Hough
Senator Lincoln Hough represents the 30th Senatorial District, which consists of part of Greene County, in the Missouri Senate. Photo courtesy of Sen. Lincoln Hough.
State Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, has always been a hard worker. Growing up in Springfield, Hough took the initiative to start his own cattle ranch while still in middle school, despite not coming from an agricultural family background. This early endeavor highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and set the stage for his future success in politics.
From those early beginnings, Hough has built a thriving business as a first-generation cattle rancher. He said the experience has not only given him invaluable insights into the challenges facing the agricultural community but afforded him the time to give back through public service.
“Honestly, it's what gives me the opportunity to do this stuff now. Because I don't have an 8-to-5 job,” Hough said, noting that his interest in agriculture has only grown through his time in the field. “I like the familial camaraderie of what agriculture is in the state. I mean, we help each other out.”
Hough launched his political career in 2010 with his election to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving until 2016. He then spent two years as a Greene County commissioner before being elected to the Missouri Senate, where he is now in his second term. Currently, he is running in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor.
During his tenure in the Missouri Legislature, Hough's key accomplishments have included passing a nearly $1 billion tax cut — the largest in state history — and prioritizing infrastructure investments, from power grids to highways. However, Hough said he believes such achievements should be standard for government officials who are willing to work hard.
“That’s what your government should be doing,” Hough said. “Your government ought to be figuring out ways to solve problems, like how do we invest in infrastructure, how do we invest in education and training programs and apprenticeships. It’s really easy to be a person in a role like this and just say, ‘No, that’s not good enough.’ ‘No, we’re not going to do that.’ It takes a lot more work and a lot more collaboration with people to say, ‘I understand this is hard and complicated, but I think there’s a way to figure this out.’ And then do it.”
Hough said investments in infrastructure are crucial for the growth of Missouri businesses and families. “Businesses don’t grow, farms don’t grow, families don’t grow if they don’t have safe, reliable and economical infrastructure and energy,” he said.
Looking forward, Hough plans to devote much of his time to campaigning ahead of the Aug. 6 primary election, traveling across Missouri to meet with as many people as possible.
“It's completely humbling doing this kind of stuff and having people just seriously come out of the woodwork saying, ‘Well, we want to do something for you. We want to help out,’” he said.
If Hough wins the primary in August and the general election in November, he said he would aim to build on the achievements of his predecessors, Gov. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is currently running for governor.
“This next step for me is about the continued leadership that's been built and developed by Gov. Parson and then Lt. Gov. Kehoe,” he said.
While Hough’s schedule is packed with campaigning for the rest of the month, he said he really loves to spend as much time as possible with his two young sons, 10-year-old William and 6-year-old Sam, especially on the cattle ranch.
“To me, farming is not work,” Hough said. “Farming is my vacation. I love it. It’s something I’m passionate about. The boys and I have a great time when we get to go out to the farm. … It’s a blast.”