Wed Nov 06 05:03:09 UTC 2024: ## Republican Mike Kehoe Wins Missouri Governor’s Race

**JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.** – Republican Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe has been elected as the next Governor of Missouri, defeating Democratic challenger Crystal Quade. The victory secures the Republican Party’s continued control of the state government.

Kehoe, who was appointed Lieutenant Governor by incumbent Governor Mike Parson in 2018, gave an emotional acceptance speech thanking voters and expressing his commitment to working for a “safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri.” He will succeed Parson, who was barred from seeking re-election due to term limits.

Kehoe’s win was largely anticipated due to the strong Republican presence in the state. The last Democrat to hold statewide office was former Auditor Nicole Galloway, who left office in 2023.

Quade, the outgoing state House Democratic minority leader, has yet to address supporters following the results.

The race saw intense focus on the abortion issue, as Missouri voters also considered a constitutional amendment to restore abortion rights. Kehoe opposed the amendment, although he expressed openness to amending the state’s current abortion law to allow exceptions in cases of rape and incest.

Kehoe’s campaign also drew attention for its stance on the 2020 presidential election, with statements questioning the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s victory. While he initially called for acceptance of the results in the wake of the January 6th Capitol attack, his campaign later described Biden as illegitimate.

Kehoe’s victory follows his successful GOP primary campaign, where he defeated Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. He framed himself as a “law-and-order” candidate, emphasizing his focus on border security and his humble upbringing.

Kehoe, 62, brings a long history of public service to the governorship, having served in the state Senate since 2010 and as Lieutenant Governor since 2018. He previously worked as a car dealer.

Quade, 39, was elected to the state House in 2016 and rose to become minority leader in 2019.

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