Representative Marty Murray – 78th District, Missouri

Marty Joe Murray Jr. is a Democratic member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 78 in the St. Louis area. He is a community organizer, advocate, and former civic leader whose career has focused on public service, social justice, and economic equity. His work has centered on issues such as raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive rights, and advancing criminal justice reform.

Murray began his involvement in politics while still in college, organizing for President Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign and serving in student government. He later became a consumer advocate for the Illinois Attorney General, which further solidified his commitment to public service and advocacy.

Education

Murray holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he was a first‑generation college graduate. During his time at SIUC, he was active in student government, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, and campus political organizing, experiences that helped shape his interest in policy and public service.

Political Experience

Murray’s political career advanced through local Democratic leadership roles. In August 2016, he defeated a long‑serving incumbent to win election as 7th Ward Democratic Committeeman in St. Louis. Shortly afterward, he was elected chairman of Missouri’s 78th Legislative District Committee and also served as vice chair of the 1st Congressional District Committee.

He has served as State Committeeman for Missouri’s 5th Senatorial District within the Missouri Democratic Party and has held leadership positions on boards and committees supporting unhoused populations and other community‑based organizations. Throughout these roles, he has testified before legislative committees, built relationships with state and federal elected officials, and helped advance progressive legislation in Missouri.

As a candidate and elected representative for the 78th District, Murray continues to emphasize community engagement, constituent advocacy, and efforts to expand economic and social opportunity in the region he represents.