Kevin P. Engler

Who is Kevin P. Engler?

Kevin P. Engler is a Republican member of the Missouri Senate, representing the 3rd District since 2005. He became Majority leader in January 2009. Previously he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2003 through 2005. He is the Chairman of the Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics committee and vice chair of the Administration and Gubernatorial Appointments committees.

He was born in Festus, Missouri, and graduated from Festus High School in 1977. He went on to Southwest Missouri State University, where he earned degrees in finance/general business and marketing. He served as mayor of Farmington for six years, was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002, and to the Missouri State Senate in 2004.

In 2009, Engler attracted attention by proposing, then withdrawing a bill to make littering a capital offense. In a short speech on the Senate floor, he referred to constituents who litter as "white trash" and "dumb rednecks." When criticized for these remarks, Engler said, "the only ones I've called names are the ones doing it. If they are offended, good."