Gregory Upchurch

Gregory Upchurch

Democratic Party

Candidate, Missouri State Auditor

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

Missouri State University, 1992

Graduate

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, 2001

Personal

Birthplace

St. Charles, Mo.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Small business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign X

Personal Facebook

Personal YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Gregory Upchurch (Democratic Party) is running for election for Missouri State Auditor. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Gregory Upchurch was born in St. Charles, Missouri. He received an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University in 1992 and a graduate degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in 2000. His professional experience includes being a venue owner. He has been a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

Elections

2026

See also: Missouri Auditor election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Missouri State Auditor

Incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick, Gregory Upchurch, and Mike Carter are running in the general election for Missouri State Auditor on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Scott Fitzpatrick (R)
		Gregory Upchurch (D)
		Mike Carter (R)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

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2022

See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 104

Incumbent Phil Christofanelli defeated Gregory Upchurch in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 104 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Phil Christofanelli (R)	55.7	7,978
		Gregory Upchurch (D)	44.3	6,353

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,331
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 104

Gregory Upchurch advanced from the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 104 on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Gregory Upchurch	100.0	2,388

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,388
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 104

Incumbent Phil Christofanelli advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 104 on August 2, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Phil Christofanelli	100.0	3,196

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,196
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020

Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020 (August 4 Democratic primary)

Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020 (August 4 Republican primary)

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Incumbent Mike Kehoe defeated Alissia Canady, Bill Slantz, Kelley Dragoo, and Jeremy Gundel in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Kehoe (R)	58.4	1,731,263
		Alissia Canady (D)	38.8	1,150,231
		Bill Slantz (L)	1.8	53,789
		Kelley Dragoo (G)	1.0	28,183
	Submit photo	Jeremy Gundel (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	26

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,963,492
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Alissia Canady defeated Gregory Upchurch in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Alissia Canady	73.5	371,802
		Gregory Upchurch	26.5	133,751

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 505,553
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Incumbent Mike Kehoe defeated Mike Carter, Aaron Wisdom, and Arnie Dienoff in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Kehoe	59.4	362,442
		Mike Carter	26.0	158,914
	Submit photo	Aaron Wisdom	8.7	52,810
	Submit photo	Arnie Dienoff	5.9	35,929

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 610,095
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Green primary election

Green primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Kelley Dragoo advanced from the Green primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kelley Dragoo	100.0	860

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 860
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Bill Slantz advanced from the Libertarian primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Slantz	100.0	4,103

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,103
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

Paula Brown defeated incumbent Mark Matthiesen and Carol Hexem in the general election for Missouri House of Representatives District 70 on November 6, 2018.

General election

General election for Missouri House of Representatives District 70

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Paula Brown (D)	49.7	7,993
		Mark Matthiesen (R)	49.0	7,882
		Carol Hexem (G)	1.2	195

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,070
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Paula Brown defeated Gregory Upchurch and Donald Klein in the Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 70 on August 7, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 70

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Paula Brown	64.7	3,054
		Gregory Upchurch	22.4	1,055
	Submit photo	Donald Klein	12.9	611

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,720
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Incumbent Mark Matthiesen advanced from the Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 70 on August 7, 2018.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Missouri House of Representatives District 70

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Matthiesen	100.0	3,034

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,034
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Gregory Upchurch has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Gregory Upchurch asking him to fill out the survey. If you are Gregory Upchurch, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 23,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Gregory Upchurch to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing Greg@GregoryAUpchurch.com.

2022

Gregory Upchurch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Upchurch's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in St. Charles Missouri and a true local!

Healthcare is our greatest threat to the safety of all Missouri residents, and I think everyone should be universally covered. Medicaid expansion is essential! We just gave away trillions of dollars, in the last election, that would have easily funded this all-inclusive program.

I hold a master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) and believe early education is attainable, governmental transparency is a must and happiness an essential part of life. My teaching experience includes: College faculty, K-12 and English internationally. Extensive educated travel has developed my acceptance of people and drives my compassion toward others.

Labor builds this country, while transportation provides for workers and goods to get to market. I have executive board housing experience for MSU/MO ETA and understand that affordable housing shortages means families go without. I would like to explore building code legislation, subsidies, and tax breaks for those who build handicap into new construction and cater to housing issues for our elder society.

I am on my eighteenth year of owning my own business. I have done a great deal of national and international travel. I owned and operated a domestic transportation business and I now own a banquet center.

Personally, I would like to increase voter access and have election day as a national holiday! I want mail-in ballots as well as cell phone voting. #missouriisforeveryone

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare is a MUST!
• Education is a Right!
• If we do not take care of the environment, then the environment will take care of us!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare and voting rights!

These are two issues we voted on, as Missourians, and our legislature fails to implement our wishes. WE THE PEOPLE have spoken and I hink it is about time we are heard. I want to implement the things thay WE have already agreed to adopt.

I have additional blog thoughts: Upchurch4MO.com

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I think my grandmother was a true inspiration, who taught us about diversity and acceptance at a very yound age! We are all the same people and each deserves respect. Everyone has a unique background and set of principle upon which they were raised. Each person has a unique voice and perspective. Her favorite saying, "We are all the same, in the eyes of the lord".

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I write blogs on my website, www.Upchurch4MO.com, if you want to know where I stand.

1. missouriisforeveryone

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and integrity are the most important qualities a politician can have. After all, you are being hired by your constituents to do a job for them. I believe it important that they can trust you to do the job they hired you to perform. I like to be able to trust my employees and would think I were expected to do the same by those who chose me to do their bidding in Jefferson City. Honesty, integrity and sincerity are key.

Responsibility is another characteristic I find appealing in an elected official. The responsibility to be present and respond to inquiries are essential. I think it important to be in session, when session is meeting, and to vote accordingly. Being responsible to those who chose you to elect, is a successful notion I wish more politicians accepted.

Being humble never hurt anyone!

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am an educated local who knows a great deal about the families and experiences in my district. I have grown up with many of these families who have remained in the same residences throughout our lives. I understand the wants and needs of the citizens of House district 104 and believe I could represent their interests better than anyone else in this race. I have the ability to reach across the aisle and get people talking about what they want and expect their government to be. I appeal to both sides of the political spectrum, because I am friends with people from both sides of the political aisle and understand that everyone has an opinion. Many of the opinions overlap in different ways and I am good about finding the middle ground and keeping the conversation alive and civil. I can command a room when necessary, but prefer to listen and find commonality. Everyone has a voice and I believe I would be a good collective voice for the 104th House district of Missouri.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A core responsibility of this office is to be cognizant of those who elected you and what they want you to do. Being a representative of my constituents and a voice for my districts choices are the true responsibilities I pledge to uphold. Being willing to listen to those around you, while standing strong for those who elected you is monumental. I believe I am there to listen, represent and serve!

I know I will have the ability to introduce legislation, wanted by those of my district. I will also be there to fight or reject legislation, which is opposed by those who hired me. The key is to represent, and be open to, an integral method of doing the will of the people.

Trust and fairness will be the keys to my/our success?

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember was my grandmother winning "Illinois Mother of the Year" in 1971 and sitting on top of a float of roses, in the parade down the Main Street of her home town. I think I was three. It was a big celebration.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Shoveling snow and mowing lawns were my first attempts to make money. I am not sure I have ever stopped doing these things.

My first job, I persued on my own as an adult, was as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. I held the position for eight seasons., with six seasons as the vessel engineer. My first season, I actually hitchhiked about 1000 miles through Canada to get there and lived in a tent for a month. I am not scared of much.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The Governor is another branch, in the system of balance within Missouri politics. The Governor has a vision of how they would like to see the states operate. The Governor gets to set a policy that the office procresses toward and the legislature can either accept of reject it. In some instances, the legislature is a direct arm of the Governor, especially if they agree on the same policies. In other instances, the Governor is a balance check to a legislature with different beliefs. A strong legislature can override a Governor, whereas a weak one can only observe the outcome. Each has its own place in the workings of our governments overall productivity and I think our government works best when all three branches are having robust conversations about the direction the citizens want them to progress. Every elected official is there to represent the citizens who put them there and should respect their overall wishes. I do like the check and balance effect between the Governor and the state legislators and believe the "will of the people" will be heard. #missouriisforeveryone

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Healthcare! This country and state are sharply divided between what we think we desrve with healthcare and what we are willing to give, to extend healthcare to every citizen within the state. We voted in favor of Medicare expansion, yet the current state legislature is standing in the way of what the people overwhelmingly voted to implement. I think it is going to take a huge shift in the demographics of the legislature to get these agreed upon programs implemented. It will take time to make a definite shift toward the implementation of healthcare in Missouri due to the election process and length of time between elections. We must first change representatives before we can change policy. I think this should be a wake-up call to all Missourians, especially those who voted and were not heard. I believe that is about 70% who were completely ignored by our current representatives. Make that change!

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

The benefits of a unicameral legislature could mean for a swift passage of legislation. I see this as the greatest benefit. I also see this as the greatest problem. The bicameral system allows for more robust discussions and compromise. The more we debate an issue, the more clear the expectations of implementation and fairness. I prefer we keep two chambers of legislature.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do believe it is necessary to have some exposure, whether through education or worldly experience. I do not believe it is absolutely necessary, but any experience seems to be better than no experience at all. With this being said, you are there to represent the population of citizens in your jurisdiction and should be there to express the wishes of your constituents as opposed to your own. Being in office gives you an opportunity to have your decisions on recored, for all to see. I think, if you are trusted by those who elect you, then your ability to do their bidding comes with their trust. This is a position of morality and doing the right thing. Elections have consequences and it is important to have a representative you can trust, especially a home grown candidate who has a passion for their community.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

We MUST be talking to each other. I have personal and professional relationship with candidates from both sides of the aisle and thing we should be talking about our diffferences and similarities. I think we have more in common than we have differences. Everyone wants to go straight to the differences rather than solve the obvious problems that everyday Missourians face. We need roads and clean drinking water (99% agree). Everyone wants their children to be safe, (100%) everyone! There are many quality of life things we can be accomplishing if we simply communicate with each other about the things we agree upon and focus on each others needs. We can do this, as caring and communicative people. We need each other to make this collectively work.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Rivers and state borders with no more than three staright lines connecting. Follow this pattern all across the state and we will have easy to understand voting regions. Up to three staright line ONLY. Rivers and state border lines can be used, but don"t count as up to three straight lines. Print out a Missouri State map and try it yourself!

I know this sounds very simplistic, but it will stop a great deal of gerrymandering and arguemnets, especially during the time of redistricting. Drawing the maps should be for the convenience of voting and the citizens, as opposed to creating strong zones for each side. Election integrity should not be in question, especially with todays technology.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Healthcare, Education and the environment.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I believe we are all individuals and will each act independently of the other. I do not believe it is my place to interpret and mimic another, but to be unique and genuine to those who chose to vote me into office as their representative. I think everyone should express their opinion and elect a representative who is reflective of themselves. I also think I should be myself, but as a mirror of my constituency.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I like to accomplish one thing at a time and assess situations as they arise. If a need arises, then I will listen and respond appropriately. This house seat is something I have been persuing for a while now and am looking forward to being there, for those who put me there. If those who put me there decide I should move, then I will consider it. I personally think it will be a great honor to represent the citizens of the 104th district and look forward to being a member of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I keep getting the same thing over and over. I usually consists of potential votes thanking me for "putting myself out there" and giving them a choice at the ballot box. I am finding that people want to voice their opinions and have decided that this is the year to do it and the ballot box is the place. I am finding a great deal of anxious people who are ready for change. Also, I like swapping stories as I am a local who can relate to their upbringing and standards. I personally know a great deal of people in my district, from our many years in the same community.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

This is a really broad question that I think I will reply about when there is a specific decision to debate. It depends on the emergency and the power given. I find this to be a case-by-case basis.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I am one of those individuals who can not understand why we have trouble speaking to each other. There are many things we agree about and should get done, before we start debating the things on which we don't agree. Majority rules, so we should discuss what the majority wants and get it implemented. We have to get past the divide and start working together toward the common goals of citizens. The process of coming together, for a civilized debate, has eluded us and we must get back to open and respectful dialogue. If we can achieve open communication, then we can have a unity that is acceptable to the majority of Missouri citizens. WE can do this, together! #missouriisforeveryone

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Gregory Upchurch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Upchurch's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I believe we have to protect all the citizens of Missouri with quality and affordable healthcare. Healthcare effects everyone in the state and we are removing our children from our state programs in record numbers. Seniors are taking a hit and many are being purged from healthcare protections as well. Young women are leaving our Missouri borders, to have their babies in states that are willing to provide quality healthcare and assistance. The result, of this action, is an aging population in the great state of Missouri. This is having a disturbing effect on the number of available workers who could enter the workforce. We are running out of skilled trade workers and by discouraging young women to have their children in Missouri, it is only making the problem worse. This trend has a negative effect on our ability to attract manufacturers, due to the lack of available workforce participants and a healthy workforce overall. We are also experiencing an assault on the healthcare of our middle-class as healthcare costs rise to working families. Many Missourians have lost their homes, to bankruptcy, as a result of our atrocious healthcare policies and this has a negative effect on our ability to individually spend. Spending, other than healthcare spending, is what keeps the economy of Missouri moving forward. Therefore, quality healthcare equals prosperity for Missouri as a whole.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare
• Education
• Government Accountability

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My friends call me Greg and I am currently a business owner in St. Charles, Missouri. I was born and raised in St, Charles, but have traveled to many places around the United States and the world. I am a previous owner and operator in the transportation industry, so I understand the importance of having and maintaining our current infrastructure of roads and bridges. I have worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and believe we need to protect the environment at all costs, because Missouri is a beautiful state. I have worked as a laborer and think we need to protect the ever eroding middle class. I have taught in the public school system, in college and in foreign countries and believe all people should have access to a quality and affordable education. I hold a Masters degree in Public Administration, but also understand the need for trade schools and apprenticeships. I think politicians should work for those they represent and do what is right for the citizens who elected them. I also think we, the people, should have transparency within our government and access to information. I want quality and affordable healthcare for all, with specific protections for our children and elderly citizens. Finally, I believe we are all equal and that no one is above the law.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Missouri Lieutenant Governor is the only statewide elected official that is part of both the executive and legislative branches of state government. I think this makes the position quite unique from other elected positions within the state of Missouri. It is written, in the state constitution, that the lieutenant governor is ex officio president of the Missouri Senate. Also, the Missouri Lieutenant Governor is elected independently from the Missouri Governor and each can be members of different political parties. Being of different parties allows alternate perspectives to be shared within the executive branch and alternative ideas to possibly flourish.

The various other duties of the office provide for more responsibilities, especially relating to veterans, seniors, tourism and economic development. These additional duties make the lieutenant governor more visible and accessible to many more Missourians than it does other politicians. The many boards and commissions on which the lieutenant governor, serves provide numerous opportunities to help additional Missouri citizens, both young and old. These boards and commissions cover a wide variety of functions for Missouri's diverse population.

Additionally, military veterans exemplify the meaning of service, as they have sacrificed and answered the call of duty. They boldly faced death, injury and uncertainty and the lieutenant governor position allows for greater access and the opportunity for glorifying recognition. The range and scope of the position is enormous and it is imperative that the right individual be chosen to perform the necessary tasks.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe honesty, integrity and openness are the qualities voters should seek in the representatives they choose. I started with honesty, because I believe it to be the most important. I think those who are elected should be able to stand in front of their constituents and be able to tell them the truth about their intentions. We, too often, see our politicians say one thing and then turn around and do another. I find this especially appalling when promises are made before an election, simply to be tossed aside after being elected to public office. Our elected officials are there to work for and represent us!

A great deal of the principles that are held within the concept of honesty are essential to the concept of integrity, yet integrity includes much more. Integrity can be defined as being whloe ond/or undevided. Being able to tell someone honestly what you are doing or plan to do is much different that having an overall strategy or plan that moves in a progressive direction to help those you represent. Integrity states that an individual will strive to do their best, no matter the obsticle or situation that might try to derail their efforts. Integrity encompasses a strategy that is good for the many and has a unifying effect for all constituents who are willing to share their ideas for the good of all.

Openness has many facets, but in this instance I refer to it as accessibility. When there is a lack of restrictions to personell and information, we ll feel more included. Inclusion is important and makes everyone feel they are part of the solution. Information should be free flowing, like an amoeba, and accessible to everyone. I find it hard to trust elected officials when they won't give you access or allow you to know what they are doing. Public officials should have public information.

Honesty, integrity and openness all work together, but they are also mutually exclusive concepts. When combined, trust is the result.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be know as a politician/Individual who performed their duties and lived their life with honesty, integrity and openness.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was about three years old I remember seeing my aunt riding a horse and my exquisitely adorned grandmother riding a big beautiful parade float, covered in pink and white flowers, that honored her winning the title of "Illinois Mother of the Year 1971". The parade went through the main street of town and around the town square. I remember sitting with my parents and watching my uncle, who was the editor of the local paper and township official, taking pictures as the float rode past. It was such a big deal to the entire family, as she had birthed and reared eight children. I also remember seeing another uncle, who was perched outside his furniture store, watching from the other side of the town square.

My grandfather was the current elected Sheriff of the town and was beeming as he watched his bride roll past the local jailhouse, where they lived. It was a magical moment that has never left my memory. All the children were there and their families. I was one of twenty eight grandchildren who were in attendance and scattered along the route. The family gathering that followed, produced one of our most complete and treasured family photos. It was a unique and special moment for the entire family.

B.T.W. She was later in the running for U.S. Mother of the year, but narrowly missed the title.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I really enjoyed the book 'Anthem' by Ayn Rand.

I read it as a young man and enjoyed the exploration of words "I" and "ego"!

I read it while sitting in a very tall oak tree that my father planted before I was born.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The most important responsibility of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is to assume the position of Governor, if the Governor is no longer able to perform the duties of the office or removed from office. I take this responsibility very seriously and am prepared to take such action, if necessary. My business experience, combined with my advanced education (MPA), provide me with the skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the Governor as perscribed by the Missouri Constitution. I have read and studied what is required and am quite capable of performing all the necessary tasks. I am proficient in budgeting, problem solving, decision making, leadership abilities and working with others. I understand the importance of properly filling governmental boards with vetted candidates and qualified appointments to our colleges and universities. The appointment of judges is another task I am prepared to fulfill, as well as finding the proper individuals for bourd positions across the state.

The next important responsibilitie would be to serve as the ex efficio president of the Missouri Senate. Also, by law, these responsibilities would rank highly on the list of responsibilities I would deem important: Board of Public Buildings, Boardof Fund Commissioners, Missouri Development Finance Board, Missouri Community Service Commission, Missouri State Capitol Commission, Missouri Housing Development Commission and the Tourism Commission. Many other responsibilities are required with this position, but those directly expressed as part of the Missouri Constitution are those I consider the most important.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I believe running a small business, as I have done for the last ten years, is a quality that prepares one for the tasks associated with the office of Lieutenant Governor. I believe this office holding individual is required to take a leading role when necessary, as well as, perform the everyday duties described within the Missouri constitution. Being able to perform for the genearl public, on a daily basis, is a skill set that is learned through time and hands on experience. The ability to analyze and solve problems comes with years of dealing with unknown factors appearing, in what should be an organized set of events. This is a skill set I have learned, analyzed and happen to possess.

As a liason to many other departments, the Lieutenant Governor needs to possess the skills to direct public inquiries to the proper organizations. Dealing with multiple vendors from across the state and families from across the country has afforded me a knowledge base few could understand. I believe these skills are exactly what is needed. These learned skills set me apart, to be the individual highly accessible to entities throughout Missouri and around the world.

Another key aspect of what the office holder does involves tourism. As a world and US traveler, I understand the importance of keeping Missouri beautiful and touting what we have to offer those who visit. I think it is important to draw guests and their economic dollars to our borders and provide them with experiences they will gladly want to share with others. I think this includes advocating for environmental as well as culturally diverse experiences that will draw a great deal of outside interests. This is why I say, "Missouri is for Everyone"!

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Gregory Upchurch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Upchurch's responses.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Education Healthcare Jobs

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education policy is what really gets me excited. We must provide better opportunities to the children who will eventually rule.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have to say, I am a big fan of what B. Obama did with advancements in healthcare. Had the "public option" been allowed to stay within the original framewaork of the ACA, I don't believe we would be having many of these problems.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I am sorry, but it would have to be a text book. The problem is that there is not one answer or example. I was trained in Public Administration and more specifically Public Policy, therefore, any text book on the broad principles would suffice.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity and a willingness to actively listen.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, integrity and a willingness to actively listen.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe a representative should be accessible. How can you do the work of your constituents if you don't know what they want? This is what representation means.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I simply want to be known as a guy who cared about the people he was sent to represent. I want people to remember me as the guy who was there for them.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My grandmother won "Illinois Mother of the Year" in 71-72. I can remember my grandmother riding on a huge float down the Main Street of their town, where my grandfather was the elected Sheriff.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Mowing lawns and shoveling snow. First real job was Lewis and Clark's restaurant washing dishes. I stayed about a year.

What happened on your most awkward date?

Running into an ex while on a date with another.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I like Easter. It is a brightly colored and joyous occasion, with usually good weather. I like the significance of what it means.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anthem by Rand. It teaches od ego and self worth.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The invisible man.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My iron dog nut cracker. It was handed down from my grandfather, to my father and then to me.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Don't worry, Be happy!

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The debate between constant travel and staying in one place.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Right now it is composition. The two chambers in MO rarely agree.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do believe it is beneficial because of previous experience, but I do not believe it is completely necessary. We do have checks and balances in Missouri and America.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Healthcare. Federal money could greatly improve our situation in Missouri, but the current legislation will not accept it and it is hurting everyone in the state.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

I believe the best relationship is the one that exists, with checks and balances.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

We MUST build relationships with other representatives and be accepting of working with all ideas and opposing political parties. We are all in this together!

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Geographic lines drawn as opposed to the gerrymandering that happens now.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Education, healthcare and transportation.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes. Whatever role suits the party best.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I liked Tom Eagleton!

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I like concentrating on the present. I plan to run and serve as the next Representative in MO District 70

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

All of the stories surrounding the West Lake Landfill are gut wrenching and memorable. People are being poisioned in their own back yards and the federal governments wants nothing to do with the situation. This is a huge priority in STL.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Gregory Upchurch campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2022	Missouri House of Representatives District 104	Lost general	$6,594	$3,027
2018	Missouri House of Representatives District 70	Lost primary	$4,244	N/A**
Grand total			$10,838	$3,027
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

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