- Position Held: U. S. Congress, 8th district, 1997-present; Committees: Appropriations; Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
- Party: Republican
- Home City & County: Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County
- Education: Ohio Wesleyan University, 1972 (B.A. Political Science)
- Previous Elected Office: None
- Birth Date & Place: September 16, 1950; Bethesda, Maryland
- Family: (1) Bill Emerson, (deceased), 2 daughters; (2) Ron Gladney; 1 step-daughter; 1 step-son; 2 grandchildren
- Religion: Presbyterian
- Occupation: lawmaker
- Percentage in 2008 Election: 71% against Democrat Joe Allen
- Work Experience: Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, American Insurance Association, 1994-1996; Director of State Relations and Grassroots Programs, National Restaurant Association, 1991-1993 , Deputy Communications Director, National Republican Congressional Committee, 1983-1990.
Emerson is the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Missouri, having taking office since her husband Congressman Bill Emerson’s death in 1996.
