By: Brian Evans

As a Jasper County Republican Central Committee member, I have had the privilege of serving alongside Walter Hayes.

During that time, I have come to know him not simply as a fellow Republican, but as a man of integrity, conviction, humility, and unwavering faith. Character matters, especially in public office, and Walter Hayes possesses the kind of character our communities desperately need in Jefferson City.

In today’s political climate, too many candidates tell voters what they think people want to hear. Walter Hayes is different. His principles are not determined by polling data or political pressure. They are grounded in his faith, his understanding of the Constitution, and his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Walter’s life reflects that commitment. Although he was born in Joplin, his family spent many years in Louisiana before returning home to Southwest Missouri in 1999. Since then, he has dedicated himself to Carl Junction and the surrounding area. He served on the Carl Junction Board of Aldermen for eight years, including six years as Mayor Pro Tem, and was elected once again to serve in 2024. He has also served on the Economic Development Committee and as both Vice President and President of the Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce.

His service extends well beyond government. Walter and his wife, Regina, are ordained ministers who lead FTN Ministries and faithfully serve at Joplin Family Worship Center. Together they teach, preach, mentor families, and minister throughout the Midwest. Walter is also a certified Lifetime Constitution Coach with Patriot Academy, equipping citizens with a deeper understanding of our nation’s founding principles.
Professionally, Walter brings over three decades of business experience. As a successful real estate broker, entrepreneur, and one of the developers involved with Schoolview Estates, he understands firsthand what it takes to create jobs, invest in communities, and help families achieve the American Dream.

What impresses me most, however, is Walter’s unwavering commitment to constitutional government. He believes our rights come from God… not from politicians… and that the government exists to protect those rights, not control them. He supports protecting the sanctity of human life, defending the Second Amendment, restoring local control over education, reducing the tax burden on hardworking families, protecting private property, encouraging free enterprise, and returning government to its proper constitutional limits.

Walter also understands that Missouri’s Constitution should not be easily altered by fleeting political movements. He supports meaningful reforms that require broad statewide consensus before our state’s foundational governing document can be amended. He believes local communities deserve a voice and that Missouri should remain a constitutional republic where every region of the state is fairly represented.

As an educator, a conservative, and someone who has worked to defend constitutional principles here in Jasper County, I deeply appreciate Walter’s commitment to restoring limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberty. He is not running for office to build a political career. He is running because he genuinely wants to preserve the freedoms and values that have made Missouri and America exceptional.

Southwest Missouri deserves leaders who are guided by conviction rather than convenience. We need representatives who will stand firm for faith, family, freedom, and the Constitution, even when it is politically difficult.

That is exactly who Walter Hayes is.

I am honored to give Walter Hayes my full endorsement in the August Republican Primary. I have served beside him, watched him lead, and witnessed his commitment to our Republican principles. I trust his judgment, respect his character, and believe he will faithfully represent the people of Southwest Missouri.

If you believe in constitutional government, strong families, local control, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the God-given rights of every citizen, I encourage you to join me in supporting Walter Hayes for Missouri State Representative.

On Election Day, vote for Walter Hayes in the Republican Primary. Our communities, our state, and future generations will be better served because of it.