JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The race for Missouri’s governorship is heating up as Republican Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe faces state Representative Crystal Quade on Election Day. Kehoe is anticipated to win in this predominantly Republican state, while Quade serves as the House minority leader.
Quade and fellow Democrats in Missouri are striving to regain political influence, particularly by rallying support from abortion rights advocates. This push comes in light of a ballot measure intended to energize voter turnout, which would solidify abortion rights in the state constitution and potentially reverse the current strict ban on abortions.
In contrast, Kehoe opposes this ballot amendment, expressing concern during a debate in September, where he stated that it “goes way too far.” Throughout his campaign, he has highlighted his background as a car dealership owner and rancher, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing Missouri’s economy and bolstering the agricultural sector if he wins the election. Additionally, he presents himself as a law-and-order candidate, vowing to tackle crime and advocate for increased security at the southern border of the United States.
During a competitive GOP primary season, Kehoe narrowly triumphed over Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to secure his position as the Republican nominee. At 62 years old, Kehoe transitioned from serving as the president pro tem of the state Senate to the lieutenant governor’s role in 2018, after Mike Parson stepped up to become the state’s chief executive. Parson became governor following the resignation of Eric Greitens amid a sex scandal. Since 2010, Kehoe has served in the state Senate, representing the Jefferson City area.
Meanwhile, Quade, a resident of Springfield aged 39, entered the state House in 2016 and was elected House minority leader in 2019.
On the same ballot, voters will also decide the attorney general’s race, selecting between the Republican incumbent Andrew Bailey, who is vying for his first full term, and Democrat Elad Gross, a former assistant attorney general who previously served under Missouri’s last Democratic attorney general.
Bailey was appointed by Parson to follow Eric Schmitt, now serving as a U.S. senator, as the chief legal officer of the state. Prior to this, he worked as general counsel in the governor’s office. His tenure has attracted national attention since he assumed office in January 2023, particularly due to his stance on contentious issues such as gender-affirming healthcare and the management of student loan forgiveness.