Raymond Karst holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Saint Louis University School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 1926. He began his career in the public sector as a provisional judge and later served in the Missouri House of Representatives. Karst also spent time in the military during World War II and later represented Missouri in the United States House of Representatives. He transitioned to a role in the Economic Stabilization Agency and returned to private practice. Karst later chaired Karst Enterprises, showcasing his leadership and business acumen.

Raymond Karst's political philosophy is marked by an unexpected alignment of fiscal conservatism with regulatory advocacy, particularly in his support for ending billboards. His legislative record reveals a calculated approach to balancing economic interests with environmental concerns, raising questions about the motivations behind such seemingly disparate stances. Karst's rhetorical style is steeped in a deeply rooted community and religious identity, which may influence his policy decisions and public framing. His career, spanning from local judge to national representative, showcases an ideologically agile politician who navigates complex policy landscapes with an eye toward regional interests.