Hartzler, Vicky, 1960-

Vicky Jo Hartzler (née Zellmer, October 13, 1960) is an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, she has served as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 4th congressional district since 2011.

Born and raised on a farm outside Archie, Missouri, she attended the University of Missouri, where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in education, and the University of Central Missouri, where she graduated with an M.S. in education. She taught family and consumer sciences for 11 years in Lebanon and Belton, MO, coaching track for six years while at Belton and serving as co-director of a program for at-risk teens in addition to her regular teaching responsibilities. Hartzler began her public service in 1994 when she successfully ran for State Representative in the Missouri General Assembly, serving six years in the state house, representing parts of Cass and Johnson Counties. In 2005 Governor Matt Blunt appointed Hartzler chair of the Missouri Women's Council, where she served for two years.

After almost a decade out of politics, Hartzler entered the Republican primary for Missouri's 4th congressional district, which at the time was held by 17-term Democratic incumbent Ike Skelton. She won a seven-way primary with 40% of the vote. Hartzler narrowly defeated Skelton, becoming the first woman elected to Congress from Missouri who was not a stand-in for her husband. As a member of Congress, Hartzler is an outspoken opponent of abortion. She has sponsored legislation in an effort to block taxpayer dollars from funding clinics that offer abortion services, such as Planned Parenthood, as well as legislation such as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Hartzler has also been a staunch advocate for investment in rural broadband, which falls under the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee. Hartzler strongly opposes same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. She also opposes banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Hartzler staunchly supports increasing military spending.