Columbia News

Rep. Mark Alford, U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 4th district since 2023, recently used his social media platform to highlight visits to rural hospitals and farms in his district during a government shutdown.

On October 8, 2025, Alford posted, "The government may be shut down, but we are not. We’re out visiting every rural hospital in MO-04. Most recently, Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar. Dedicated staff and leadership like Andrea McKay are doing everything they can to keep rural health care alive." In a follow-up post on the same day, he stated, "This isn’t about politics, it’s about people’s lives. America and MO-04 deserve better. We’ll keep fighting for YOU. "

Later that day, Alford also visited a local farm, sharing, "Visited Katie Nixon’s farm in Wheatland, MO, recently… a true Missouri gem. Katie grows a variety of fruits, vegetables, and greens while raising sheep—showing the dedication it takes to run a specialty crop farm. Farmers like Katie work hard every day to put food on"

Alford’s visits come amid a federal government shutdown, during which he emphasized continued engagement with constituents and support for essential services in rural communities.

Alford, who was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and currently resides in Lake Winnebago, has focused on issues affecting rural Missouri since taking office. He succeeded Vicky Hartzler as the representative for Missouri’s 4th district and holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1988.