Meet Your Candidate
Hi, I’m Tanya Lakins—mom, wife, Marine veteran, small-business owner, and a proud member of the community I call home. I grew up in a small farm town in Indiana, where neighbors knew each other, and community meant more than a word. I’ve lived in Missouri since 1996 and in Liberty—right here in District 39—since 2012. What I love about this area is the same thing many families love: it’s quiet, clean, friendly, has good schools, and still has that hometown feel—close to the city, but rooted in community.
My military service shaped how I lead: show up, do the hard work, take care of the team, and never forget who you’re there for. The 11 years I served in the Marine Corps shaped my leadership and discipline: I go through the door first, I leave last, and I don’t forget who I’m there for. Semper Fi.
Service didn’t stop when I took off the uniform. I volunteer with veteran and first responder organizations and help fundraise for mental health retreats through groups like Battle Within and Healing Warrior Hearts. I’m active in the Fleet Reserve Association, DAV, American Legion, and Shield of Sisters. I also serve locally—especially as Vice President of the board at the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary and on the Starfish Foundation board—because strong communities don’t happen by accident.
I’m running for Missouri House because I believe people deserve leaders who listen—and who respect voters enough to tell the truth. I decided to step up when lawmakers dismiss the will of Missourians, claiming voters “didn’t understand” what they voted for. I don’t believe in governing that way. My promise is simple: I will be the voice of the people and respect their choices.
Here’s what you can expect from me: transparency, accountability, and a neighbor-first approach that reaches across the aisle to get real results. If people call me and say, “We don’t like this,” I will show up—explain my vote, share what I learned, and listen to what the people want for their community. I’m running to challenge the status quo, fight for the people of District 39, and leave Missouri on a better track for all. "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law".
ISSUES THAT MATTER TO OUR COMMUNITY
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COST OF LIVING & ECONOMY: Families in District 39 are doing everything right—working hard, budgeting, and still getting squeezed by groceries, housing, utilities, and insurance. Tanya Lakins is focused on neighbor-first, practical and bipartisan affordability: cutting taxes on essentials, lowering monthly bills, and making it easier for working families and seniors to stay in the community they built
HEALTHCARE COSTS: Healthcare shouldn’t feel like a financial trap. Tanya Lakins will work with anyone—Republican, Democrat, or Independent—to lower out-of-pocket costs, stop surprise charges, and make care easier to access for working families and seniors.
PUBLIC SAFETY: In District 39, “public safety” means something very specific: safe neighborhoods, reliable emergency response, fewer overdoses, and serious crimes that actually get solved. Tanya Lakins is a neighbor-first, bipartisan problem-solver who believes public safety should be measured by outcomes
ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE: This is an area where bipartisan progress is not only possible—it’s expected. Tanya will work with local officials, MoDOT, and community stakeholders to elevate district needs and push for transparent, maintenance-centered investments. Tanya’s focus is maintenance, smart project delivery, and funding that produces visible local results for District 39.
EDUCATION: A strong District 39 starts with strong schools—great teachers, safe classrooms, and pathways to good careers. Tanya brings a neighbor-first, bipartisan that supports teacher pay/retention, student wellness, and making postsecondary training affordable.
VETERAN BENEFITS: When their service ends, our work begins. As a Marine veteran, Tanya believes Missouri must deliver benefits that match service—property tax relief, guard family support, and mental health resources. She will also fight scams that prey on veterans seeking the benefits they earned.
Every dollar helps us reach more families and build a campaign that puts people over politics.