From the Ozarks to the Statehouse
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Eric Burlison's roots are firmly planted in the Ozarks region he now represents. He graduated from Parkview High School before attending Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), where he earned both a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a Master of Business Administration. Before entering politics, Burlison worked in the private sector, including roles as a software engineer, business analyst for CoxHealth, and later as a tax consultant and investment adviser. This background in business and technology would later inform his legislative priorities. His community involvement, including being named Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks in 2005, also
marked his pre-political life. In 2008, Burlison made the leap into public service, winning a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Forging a Conservative Record in Missouri
During his time in the Missouri General Assembly, first in the House (2009-2017) and later in the state Senate (2019-2023), Burlison established himself as a staunch conservative. He was recognized with perfect conservative scores from groups like the American Conservative Union and Club for Growth. A signature issue throughout his state-level career was the Second Amendment. In 2016, he sponsored and successfully passed a bill establishing "constitutional carry," which allows citizens to carry concealed firearms without a permit. He also championed tax cuts, business advocacy, and pro-life legislation, including the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act." His work earned him accolades such as the Missouri Republican Assembly's Legislator of the Year in 2011 and the Springfield Business Journal's Business Advocate of the Year in 2016. This legislative track record created a clear blueprint for the platform he would eventually take to a national stage.
The Leap to Washington
After a long tenure in state politics, Burlison set his sights on federal office. In 2022, he ran for the U.S. House seat for Missouri's 7th congressional district, a conservative stronghold in the southwestern part of the state. He won the election with over 70% of the vote and assumed office on January 3, 2023. In Congress, he quickly aligned with the most conservative wings of the Republican party, joining the House Freedom Caucus and the Republican Study Committee. His campaign promises focused on fiscal responsibility, border security, and fighting what he termed "waste, fraud, and abuse" in Washington. He brought his reputation as a constitutional conservative and a supporter of Donald Trump's "America First" agenda to the U.S. Capitol.
Key Stances and Committee Work in Congress
In the U.S. House, Burlison serves on several key committees, including the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This work places him at the center of investigations into government spending and policy debates on national infrastructure. His voting record reflects his conservative principles, with organizations like Heritage Action giving him high marks for supporting legislation aimed at requiring proof of citizenship for voting and restricting a potential Central Bank Digital Currency. He has also maintained his strong pro-gun stance, introducing legislation to reduce federal gun restrictions. While his positions have earned him praise from conservative groups, they have also drawn criticism from civil rights organizations, which point to his votes against certain voting rights and racial equity measures. Burlison remains an outspoken advocate for cutting government spending, reducing regulation, and defending what he sees as the constitutional rights of Americans.
