A lifelong Missourian, Russ Carnahan learned the value of hard work and public service from his family and the rural community where he was raised. Since taking office in 2005, Carnahan has worked to help families and businesses throughout the greater St. Louis region by supporting economic development, encouraging innovation and strengthening national security through increased international engagement.
Russ Carnahan was born on July 10, 1958 and grew up in Rolla, Missouri. After graduating from Rolla High School, he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in public service. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, where he served on the Board of Advocates – and where he met his wife Debra. After marrying in 1984, the Carnahans opened a small law firm together and began raising their two sons, Austin and Andrew.
Carnahan’s number one priority is to encourage job creation and long-term economic growth. He has fought to eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas so we can instead help small businesses here at home; Carnahan has taken a leadership role in targeting investments in transportation infrastructure that will support future economic development; and he has spearheaded efforts to position St. Louis as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, bio-science and energy innovation.
Prior to his election to Congress in 2004, Carnahan served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives where he was recognized as an outstanding state lawmaker by the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association (RCGA), the Missouri Bar Association and the St. Louis Business Journal.