Freshman Politician Runs for Governor

A new Independent candidate boldly proclaims his Christian faith and talks about his calling to run in Missouri’s 2016 Gubernatorial Election and addresses his views on what he believes to be the state’s underlying issues.

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Meramec Caverns Vice President Les Turilli Jr. is stepping into the arena of politics for the first time as an Independent candidate in Missouri’s 2016 Gubernatorial Election.

The 45-year-old Missouri native grew up in Creve Coeur, Mo., where he graduated from Parkway North High School.

He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in management and entrepreneurship from Baylor University.

His motive for seeking the state’s top political role did not spring from selfish ambition, but came from a higher calling to serve the public.

“I’ve always had a slight interest in politics, but it wasn’t until two years ago when I began a deeper journey with the Lord and I felt a calling by the Lord to go into public service,” said Turilli.

Turilli’s calling stems from his relationship with Jesus Christ, and he uses Biblical scripture verses to guide his views and political platform.

“One of the mainstay verses that has really influenced my life is Proverbs 3:5-6, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight,’” Turilli said recently during an interview at the MBU Timeline Broadcast studio.

If elected as governor of Missouri, one of Turilli’s primary initiatives would be to reinstitute the Bible back into the public school systems.

“It seems almost an impossibility in today’s culture, but I firmly believe that is one of the biggest things the Lord is calling me to do,” said Turilli.

Other goals on his agenda include re-instituting the family structure by encouraging families to stay together and completely eliminating abortion from the state.

Although quite conservative in many of his fiscal issues and policies, Turilli is liberal in his love for people and he feels there is a greater underlying issue affecting Missourians and Americans alike.

“Obviously there are going to be times of talking about business or economics or social issues, but the underlying problem in this state and in this country are not necessarily those issues,” Turilli said. “It’s a spiritual condition.”

Turilli now lives in Stanton, Mo., with his wife and three children. His oldest son, Lester Turilli III, is a student-athlete at Missouri Baptist University, studying business and running track.