Mike Kehoe for governor

Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe has won the Republican primary for governor, defeating nine candidates, including Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and State Sen. Bill Eigel, both of whom were also endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Kehoe, endorsed by outgoing Gov. Mike Parson, secured nearly 40% of the vote and will face Democratic nominee Crystal Quade in the November election. Kehoe emphasized conservative stability and public safety in his campaign, contrasting with Eigel's extreme proposals and Ashcroft's culture war rhetoric. Quade, the Missouri House Minority Leader, advanced comfortably in her primary. Kehoe's victory sets the stage for a gubernatorial race in a state rated as 'solid Republican' by the Cook Political Report.