Emery was a native of Vernon County, Missouri, where his family was active in the feed and grain business.

Emery was first elected to the Missouri Senate in 2012 with 64% of the vote over Democrat Charles A.

[5] During the 2017 legislative session, Emery served as chair of the Senate Government Reform Committee and vice chair of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and Environment Committee.

During his final term in the Senate, Emery served as chair of the Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee.

[6] After incumbent Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler declared her candidacy for the 2022 United States Senate election in Missouri, Emery declared his candidacy for Missouri's 4th congressional district.