Guernsey files to challenge Democratic incumbent Jim Whorton in 3rd district

Casey Guernsey, a seventh generation Harrison County farmer, announced Wednesday that he will run for the third district state representative seat.

Guernsey, a Republican, will face Democratic incumbent Jim Whorton in the November general election. Both are unopposed in their respective primaries in August.

Guernsey, currently an aide to Congressman Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, told the Bethany Republic-Clipper that his commitment to public service led him to his decision.

“I am a strong believer in Northwest Missouri,” said Guernsey. “That’s why I chose to live here and that is why I want to fight for them and represent them in Jefferson City.”

Guernsey is a graduate of South Harrison High School and the College of the Ozarks. He is a member of the Harrison County Farm Bureau and the University of Missouri Extension Council. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association, Rotary International and Blue Ridge Christian Union Church.

He has worked in both offices of Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt and Sam. Graves in Washington, D.C., and Missouri where he was responsible for agricultural policy, pro-life and pro-gun coalitions.

He currently farms with his father, Alan, on their dairy farm east of Bethany.

“I am proud of my roots and how I was raised in Northwest Missouri,” Guernsey said. “On our farm, work begins at 5 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. I want to take those North Missouri hard working values and bring them back to Jefferson City.”

Guernsey successfully guided the effort to save the Crestview Nursing Home from closure in Bethany and most recently worked with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and the Grundy County commissioners to implement a common sense solution to creek management, potentially saving $1 million for Grundy County residents.