| Jay Wasson | |
| State Senate: | Missouri |
| District: | 20th |
| Term Start: | January 5, 2011 |
| Term End: | November 1, 2018 |
| Predecessor: | Dan Clemens |
| Successor: | Eric Burlison |
| State House1: | Missouri |
| District1: | 141st |
| Term Start1: | January 8, 2003 |
| Term End1: | January 5, 2011 |
| Predecessor2: | Judy Berkstresser |
| Successor2: | Kevin Elmer |
| Birth Date: | 24 October 1956 |
| Birth Place: | Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Party: | Republican |
| Spouse: | Retha |
| Education: | Drury University |
Jay Wasson (born October 24, 1956) is an American politician and businessman who served as a member of the Missouri Senate for the 20th district from 2011 to 2019.[1] Previously, Wasson served four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives (2002–2010).[2]
Born in nearby Springfield, Jay Wasson was raised in Nixa, Missouri. His ancestors settled in Nixa in 1867.[3] After graduation from Nixa Public High School in 1974, Wasson attended Drury University.[4]
Outside of politics, Wasson works as a real estate developer. He is also a company officer for St. John's Health Systems, Inc.
Wasson first entered statewide politics in 2002, winning the first of four consecutive terms to the Missouri House of Representatives. Term-limited by Missouri law from running for Representative again, Wasson mounted a successful campaign in 2010 for the Missouri Senate, defeating Democrat Terry Traw to replace term-limited Senator Dan Clemens.[5] [6] During his tenure in the Senate, Wasson served as chair of the Economic Development Committee.[7]
In September 2021, Wasson declared his candidacy for Missouri's 7th congressional district in the 2022 election.[8]
Wasson and his wife, Retha, live in Nixa.[3]