Roger Wilson (D)

Overview

At a Glance

• Executive Order moving of the Division of Aging from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Health, and renaming it the Department of Health and Senior Services

Personal History

Roger Wilson was born in Boone County, Missouri, and graduated from Central Methodist College in 1977. He later earned a master's degree from the University of Missouri. Before entering politics, Wilson worked as a schoolteacher and served as an elementary school principal in Columbia, Missouri. He is married to Pat, and they have two children, Erin and Drew.

In June 2011, Wilson was removed from his position as President and CEO of Missouri Employers Mutual, a workers' compensation provider based in Columbia, Missouri. In April 2012, he pleaded guilty to federal charges of money laundering. These charges arose from his improper donations to the Missouri Democratic Party and his attempts to conceal these actions by billing Missouri Employers Mutual for related legal fees. As a consequence, the Missouri Ethics Commission fined him $2,000, and he was sentenced to two years of probation for the money laundering charge. Additionally, Wilson was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, $5,000 in restitution, and to complete 100 hours of community service.

Political History

Wilson began his political career in 1976 when he was elected as Boone County Collector. In a special election in 1979, he won a seat in the Missouri Senate representing the 19th District and was subsequently re-elected with significant majorities in 1980, 1984, and 1988. He was elected as lieutenant governor in 1992 and served in that role until 2000, during which he focused on advocating for the "Four E's": economic development, education, efficiency in government, and support for the elderly.

In October 2000, following the unexpected death of active Gov. Mel Carnahan, Wilson assumed the governorship and served until the end of the term in January 2001. After Carnahan's posthumous election to the U.S. Senate, Wilson appointed Carnahan's widow, Jean Carnahan, to fill the vacant Senate seat.

In August 2004, Wilson was appointed Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party after endorsing Claire McCaskill in her successful campaign to defeat incumbent Governor Bob Holden in the Democratic primary. However, in January 2007, despite having previously indicated interest in serving an additional two years, Wilson announced that he would not seek another term as state Democratic Chairman.

Historical Significance

Wilson's time as governor was brief and did not result in the passage of any significant legislation. However, he is most notably remembered for appointing Jean Carnahan, the widow of Gov. Mel Carnahan, to fill the vacancy created by Carnahan's posthumous election to the United States Senate. This appointment was important for Missouri, as Jean Carnahan became the first woman to represent the state in the Senate.