Republican Mike Kehoe emerged victorious over Democrat Crystal Quade in the Missouri governor’s election held on Tuesday. Kehoe, who currently serves as the lieutenant governor, will take over from GOP Governor Mike Parson, who was ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits.

In a state predominantly leaning Republican, Kehoe was anticipated to win. However, Quade, who is the minority leader in the Missouri state House, and her fellow Democrats were optimistic about their chances this year, largely because of a ballot initiative concerning abortion rights. Kehoe has made his opposition to this amendment clear.

Kehoe’s political career has been closely linked to Parson since 2018, when he was selected by Parson as his lieutenant governor after Parson ascended to the governorship. The election results were officially announced by the media at 9:45 p.m. EST, confirming Kehoe’s lead in the race.