JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Representative Alex Riley (R-Springfield) is running to serve as the next Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, a position elected by fellow House members. Riley currently serves as House Majority Floor Leader, the second most influential leadership position in the chamber. He was the first Majority Leader elected from Springfield in 100 years and ultimately won without opposition.
During his time in the House, Riley has primarily carried legislation to boost Missouri’s economy, eliminate excessive government regulations, and reduce poverty. In the 2023 session, he sponsored a bipartisan welfare reform bill which was signed into law by Governor Parson. In the 2024 session, he sponsored the Regulatory Sandbox Act which was also signed into law by Governor Parson and provides innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to obtain waivers from overly burdensome government regulations.
As Majority Floor Leader, Riley set out to empower the members of the Missouri House to speak and advocate for their constituents – and successfully did so during the 2025 regular session with numerous House members delivering high profile bills to the Governor’s desk. As Speaker, he plans to continue this mission. “Our Republican majority is comprised of duly elected members from all around the State that are actively representing their constituents. Short term limits have reduced institutional knowledge, allowing special interest groups and unelected bureaucrats to dominate in Jefferson City. It is my goal to restore legislative authority to the people’s elected representatives to address real issues facing Missouri – like reforming the state’s broken initiative petition process, addressing crime and public safety, building our economy, improving education outcomes for our state’s kids, and providing meaningful tax relief to hard working Missourians,” stated Riley.
Riley believes Missourians deserve better. “For over 200 years, layers of government have been built on the backs of taxpayers,” he said. “All too often, government strays from its intended purposes and expands into every corner of our lives – disrupting commerce, economic freedom, and putting our fundamental liberties at risk.” Riley went on to state, “Government has become distracted from its core responsibilities. I will work collaboratively with House members, Senators, the Governor, and other key stakeholders to restore the government to its proper scope while maintaining effectiveness. I am committed to the highest standards of oversight and accountability in the legislative process. By continuing to promote open and honest communication, I will preserve public trust and ensure that our constituents’ voices are heard.”
Riley was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school. After successfully battling cancer in his late teens, he graduated from Thomas Edison State University at the age of 19. He later earned his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law, graduating summa cum laude. He practices law at Healy Law Offices in Springfield, where he successfully represents a variety of businesses and individuals across Missouri. Riley credits his faith in God for his devotion to service and deep personal convictions. He and his wife, Ellen, have four children: Mitchell, Sophie, Carson, and another little girl due later this fall. Upon being elected, Riley would serve as only the second Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives from Springfield in the state’s history.
Representative Alex Riley, a Republican, represents Greene County (District 134) in the Missouri House of Representatives. For more information, contact Rep. Riley’s office at 573-751-2210 or by email at Alex.Riley@House.Mo.Gov.