Missouri Gubernatorial Race Heats Up: Key Candidates Emerge
This election year in Missouri is generating significant attention as Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and State House Minority Leader Crystal Quade have emerged as the leading candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively. They will compete this November for the position of governor, as current Governor Mike Parson has opted not to run for another term.
Republican Contenders and Their Backgrounds
The Republican primary featured notable figures including State Senator Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, all of whom received endorsements from former President Donald Trump. Particularly prominent among them is Ashcroft, a lawyer with deep political roots being the son of former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft during George W. Bush’s presidency. After earning his law degree at the University of Missouri School of Law, he assumed office as Secretary of State in 2016.
Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe’s political journey began with his election to the Missouri General Assembly in 2004, where he served until 2010 before moving on to the Missouri Senate until 2018. Throughout his tenure, Kehoe championed various issues focusing on economic growth, transportation initiatives, and prudent fiscal policies.
Eigel brings experience from both military service as a U.S Air Force officer and business acumen honed through previous careers in investment banking and private equity before turning to politics in 2016 when he was first elected to the Missouri Senate.
The Democratic Challenge
On the Democratic side, Quade faced off against newcomer Mike Hamra—an affluent fast food franchise owner seeking to make his inaugural foray into politics.
The Political Landscape in Missouri
The prevailing influence of Republicans is evident across both chambers of legislation within the state. Since 2000, Missouri voters have largely favored Republican candidates during presidential elections while also securing victories for many statewide offices through recent election cycles.
