Jeff Vernetti
American politician and businessman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Jeff Vernetti | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 123rd district | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Lisa Thomas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Southeast Missouri State University (B.S.) |
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% |