Perryville doctor enters race for 106th District

Republican Dr. Steven Tilley of Perryville has declared his candidacy for state representative in the 106th District.

Tilley, 32, said he supports gun rights and local control of schools while opposing abortion and tax increases.

"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to run to represent the great people of this area in our legislature," Tilley said.

Although the district includes parts of Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties, its electoral base is in St. Francois County, which makes incumbent state Rep. Kevin Engler's endorsement of Tilley key.

Engler, R-Farmington, is running for the state Senate.

Former state Reps. Tom Burcham of Farmington and Pat Naeger of Perryville, who had served parts of the district in the House, have also endorsed Tilley.

Along with his father, he owns Tilley Eye Center. He is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry.

He and his wife, Kellie, have two daughters -- Kourtney, 9, and Korrin, 7.