Jeff Vernetti is an American politician, businessman, and developer, serving as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 123rd district. He was elected in November 2024. Vernetti is the co-founder and co-owner of Ballparks National[1] at the Lake of the Ozarks, in addition to other businesses and developments.[2][3]
Early life and education
Vernetti was born in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Southeast Missouri State University in 1999.[4]
Career
Vernetti spent over ten years as a sports talk show host in St. Louis until 2015. Alongside Bob Ramsey, Vernetti founded and is co-owner in Ballparks National, one of the premier youth sports facilities in the county, located in the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to Ballparks National, Vernetti also is co-founder and owner of LOZ Sports[5] Training and Vernetti's Italian Grocer.[6]
He defeated incumbent Lisa Thomas in the 123rd District Republican primary in August 2024. He then went on to defeat challenger Nancy Bates in November 2024 for the seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.[7] He assumed office on January 8, 2025.
Legislation
Vernetti pre-filed a bill for the 2025 session to exempt businesses with 50 or fewer employees or seasonal operations from minimum wage increases.[8]
Electoral History boxes
State Representative
Missouri House of Representatives Primary Election, August 6, 2024, District 123
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jeff Vernetti | 4,582 | 59.40% |
| Republican | Lisa Thomas | 3,132 | 40.60% |
| Total Votes | 7,714 | 100.00% |
Missouri House of Representatives Election, November 5, 2024, District 123.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jeff Vernetti | 17,185 | 76.58% |
| Democratic | Nancy Bates | 5,256 | 23.42% |
| Total Votes | 22,441 | 100.00% |
References
- ^ "Ballparks National - Youth Baseball & Softball Tournament Complex". Fastpitch Softball & Youth Baseball Tournaments at the Lake of the Ozarks.
- ^ "Jeff Vernetti – Missouri State Representative 123rd District | A Strong Voice for the 123rd District". vernetti123.com. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ "Edgar wins Camden County sheriff race; Vernetti to be District 123 State Rep". The Lake Sun.
- ^ "Southeast Missouri State University | SEMO". Southeast Missouri State University.
- ^ "LOZ Sports Training | Indoor sports training facility located in Osage Beach, MO near Lake of the Ozarks". lozsports.com. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ "Vernetti's Italian Grocer | A Taste of the St. Louis Hill at the Lake of the Ozarks". vernettisitaliangrocer.com. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ "Missouri House of Representatives - Home". house.mo.gov.
- ^ Keller, Rudi (2025-01-06). "The battle over Missouri's minimum wage didn't end with November vote • Missouri Independent". Missouri Independent. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
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